JP6377530B2 - Surgical insertion device - Google Patents

Description

  The various embodiments herein relate to surgical procedures and, more particularly, to systems, devices, and methods for accessing and positioning a surgical system or surgical device within a cavity infused with a gas.

  Invasive surgical procedures are essential to address a variety of medical conditions. Where possible, minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic surgery are preferred.

  However, known minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, include in part (1) mobility limitations due to the use of rigid devices inserted through access ports, and (2) limited vision. There are limitations in terms of scope and complexity for dynamic feedback. In addition, these techniques are also limited by the difficulties associated with maintaining cavity gas infusion while maintaining access to the surgical cavity.

  There is a need in the art for improved surgical methods, systems and devices.

Various surgical access and insertion devices and methods are discussed herein.
In Example 1, the surgical insertion device includes a canister defining a lumen, a top cap coupled to the proximal end of the canister, and an incision port removably coupled to the distal end of the canister. With. The canister is sized to receive a surgical device in the lumen. At least one lumen is defined in the top cap, and the at least one lumen is configured to receive a support rod. The incision port includes a fluid sealing element configured to maintain a fluid seal.

Example 2 for a surgical insertion device according to Example 1 is one in which the lumen is fluid sealed to ambient air.
Example 3 for the surgical insertion device according to Example 1 is where the canister comprises a flexible material or a substantially rigid material.

Example 4 for a surgical insertion device according to Example 1 is where the canister includes a flexible portion and a substantially rigid portion.
Example 5 for a surgical insertion device according to Example 1 is where the canister has a cylindrical, spherical or conical shape.

Example 6 relating to a surgical insertion device according to Example 1 is one in which the canister comprises at least one rib structure.
Example 7 relating to a surgical insertion device according to Example 1 is one in which the fluid sealing element comprises a sealable sleeve device, a flexible sealing element, a removable lid sealing element or a flap sealing element.

  Example 8 for a surgical insertion device according to Example 1 is where the top cap comprises at least one of a pressure relief valve, at least one threaded lumen, a detachable cable harness, and a clamp protrusion.

Example 9 relating to a surgical insertion device according to Example 1 further comprises an outer handle set that can be coupled to the top cap.
Example 10 for the surgical insertion device according to Example 1 further comprises at least one measurement mechanism coupled to the top cap or incision port.

  Example 11 for a surgical insertion device according to Example 1 is one in which the canister comprises at least one access port, and the at least one access port is a hand access port and a side access port.

  The surgical insertion device of Example 12 includes a flexible canister defining a lumen, a top cap coupled to the proximal end of the canister, and an incision port removably coupled to the distal end of the canister. A first measurement mechanism coupled to the top cap or incision port. The canister is sized to receive a surgical device in the lumen. At least one lumen is defined in the top cap, and the at least one lumen is configured to receive a support rod. An incision port with a fluid sealing element is configured to maintain a fluid seal. The first measurement mechanism is configured to measure the insertion depth of the surgical device.

Example 13 relating to a surgical insertion device according to Example 12 is one in which the first measurement mechanism includes a sensor, a string measurement system, a substantially rigid structure system, or a camera.
Example 14 relating to a surgical insertion device according to Example 12 is one in which the fluid sealing element comprises a sealable sleeve device, a flexible sealing element, a removable lid sealing element or a flap sealing element.

  Example 15 for a surgical insertion device according to Example 12 is where the top cap comprises at least one of a pressure relief valve, at least one threaded lumen, a removable cable harness and a clamp projection.

  Example 16 relating to a surgical insertion device according to Example 12 further comprises a second measurement mechanism coupled to the top cap or incision port, wherein the second measurement mechanism is configured to measure any tilt of the flexible canister. It is what.

  The surgical insertion device of Example 17 comprises a canister that defines a lumen, a top cap coupled to the proximal end of the canister, and an incision port removably coupled to the distal end of the canister. The canister is sized to receive the surgical device in the lumen, and the surgical device is a robotic surgical device with two arms. The top cap includes a pressure relief valve and defines at least one lumen, the at least one lumen configured to receive a support rod. The incision port includes a fluid sealing element configured to maintain a fluid seal.

  Example 18 relating to a surgical insertion device according to example 17 is one in which the fluid sealing element comprises a sealable sleeve device, a flexible sealing element, a removable lid sealing element or a flap sealing element.

  Example 19 relating to a surgical insertion device according to Example 17 is such that the top cap comprises at least one of at least one threaded lumen, a detachable cable harness, and a clamping protrusion.

Example 20 for a surgical insertion device according to Example 17 further comprises at least one measurement mechanism coupled to the top cap or incision port.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of various obvious modifications, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

1 is a side view of an external pressurization system or apparatus according to one embodiment. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the external pressurization system or device of FIG. 1A with a surgical device disposed therein. FIG. 1B is an exploded side view of the external pressurization system or apparatus of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the external pressure system or apparatus of FIG. 1A. FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of a top cap according to one embodiment. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the top cap of FIG. 3A. FIG. It is an assembly exploded perspective view of a port according to one embodiment. FIG. 4B is an exploded side view of the port of FIG. 4A. FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a base ring and a port ring according to one embodiment. FIG. 5B is a lower perspective view of the base ring and port ring of FIG. 5A. 2 is a schematic top view of a sealable sleeve device positioned in an incision according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6B is a schematic top view of the sealable sleeve device of FIG. 6A positioned at an incision according to one embodiment. FIG. 6B is a schematic top view of the sealable sleeve device of FIG. 6A positioned at an incision according to one embodiment. FIG. 6B is a schematic top view of the sealable sleeve device of FIG. 6A positioned at an incision according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of a fully assembled port according to one embodiment. FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the fully assembled port of FIG. 7A. FIG. 5 is a side view of a canister and connector ring combination according to one embodiment. FIG. 8B is a side view of the connection of the canister and connector ring of FIG. 8A. 1 is a side view of an external pressurization system or device with a surgical device according to one embodiment disposed therein. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the external pressurization system or device of FIG. 9 with the surgical device exiting the system or device and being pushed into the patient's cavity. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the external pressurization system or apparatus of FIG. 10 with the canister removed. 1 is a perspective view of a balloon seal insertion system or apparatus according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a balloon seal insertion system or apparatus according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 13B is an exploded perspective view of the balloon seal insertion system or device of FIG. 13A. 2 is a perspective view of a port housing according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 14B is a cutaway perspective view of the port housing of FIG. 14A. FIG. 14B is a cutaway perspective view of the port housing of FIG. 14A. 1 is a perspective view of a standard sealable sleeve device according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cutaway side view of a balloon seal insertion system or device according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 16B is a cutaway perspective view of the balloon seal insertion system or device of FIG. 16A. 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a balloon seal insertion system or device having a first arm of a surgical device disposed therethrough according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 17B is a cutaway perspective view of the balloon seal insertion system or apparatus of FIG. 17A with the first arm positioned using a connecting rod. 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a rubber seal access / insertion device according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is an exploded side view of a rubber seal access / insertion device according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 19B is an exploded perspective view of the rubber seal access / insertion device of FIG. 19A. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a separate rubber seal of a rubber seal access / insertion device according to one embodiment. 1 is a top view of a rubber seal access / insertion device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a base ring of a rubber seal access / insertion device according to one embodiment. 1 is a side view of a rubber seal access / insertion device according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of an external pressurization system or device having one or more additional access ports according to one embodiment. FIG. 24B is another side view of the external pressurization system or apparatus of FIG. 24A. FIG. 24B is a top view of the external pressurization system or apparatus of FIG. 24A. FIG. 24B is a perspective view of the external pressurization system or apparatus of FIG. 24A. FIG. 24B is another top view of the external pressurization system or apparatus of FIG. 24A. FIG. 24B is a cutaway side view of the external pressurization system or apparatus of FIG. 24A along the cross-section indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 24E. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an access port with a hand disposed therethrough according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a top view of another access port according to another embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a port adapter ring coupling an access port to a tube according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a device access port having a device mounting element according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a glove port according to one embodiment. FIG. 28B is a perspective view of the glove port of FIG. 28A in use. 2 is a schematic top view of a sealable sleeve device positioned in an incision according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 29B is a schematic top view of the sealable sleeve device of FIG. 29A positioned in an incision according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cutaway side view of an incision port according to one embodiment. 6 is a top view of a base ring of an incision port according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 31B is a perspective view of the base ring of FIG. 31A. It is a perspective view of the tube bracket according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tube bracket that couples a main tube to a base ring, according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sleeve clamp according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cutaway side view of an incision port according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an incision port with an internal coupling element according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view of an incision port coupled to a port seal according to one embodiment. FIG. 37B is a cutaway perspective view of the incision port and port seal of FIG. 37A. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the underside of a base seal ring according to one embodiment. 6 is a cutaway side view of an incision port having a flap seal element according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of an incision port having a flap seal element and coupled to a port seal according to one embodiment. FIG. 38B is a top perspective view of the incision port and port seal of FIG. 38B. It is a side perspective view of the external pressurization apparatus according to another embodiment. FIG. 39B is a side perspective view of the external pressure device in FIG. 39A. FIG. 6 is a side view of an external pressure device having two slots according to a further embodiment. 2 is a side view of a positioning tube according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 41B is a top view of the positioning tube of FIG. 41A. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of stacked incision ports according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an incision port having two seals according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an incision port having two seals according to another embodiment. FIG. 6 is a top view of an incision port according to a further embodiment. FIG. 45B is a perspective view of the incision port of FIG. 45A. 1 is a top view of an air barrier incision port system according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 46B is a top view of the air barrier port system of the port system of FIG. 46A. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a rubber seal incision port according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a two-brush incision port according to one embodiment. FIG. 48B is another side perspective view of the two-brush incision port of FIG. 48A. FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a three brush incision port according to one embodiment. FIG. 49B is a side perspective view of the 3-brush incision port of FIG. 49A. 1 is a side view of an insertion device according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 50B is another side view of the insertion device of FIG. 50A. FIG. 50B is another side view of the insertion device of FIG. 50A. FIG. 6 is a side view of an insertion device according to another embodiment. FIG. 51B is a top view of the insertion device of FIG. 51A. FIG. 7 is a side view of an insertion device according to a further embodiment. 2 is a side view of a surgical device disposed within a positioning rod according to one embodiment. FIG. It is a side view of the internal pressurization bag apparatus according to one embodiment. FIG. 54B is another side view of the internal pressure bag device of FIG. 54A. FIG. 6 is a side view of another external pressurization system or apparatus according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a top cap according to one embodiment. FIG. 56B is another side perspective view of the top cap of FIG. 56A. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a top cap and canister according to one embodiment. FIG. 57B is another side perspective view of the top cap and canister of FIG. 57A. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a top cap with a portion of a device assembly according to an embodiment disposed therethrough. FIG. 58B is a perspective view of the underside of the top cap of FIG. 58A. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a top cap with a portion of a device assembly according to an embodiment disposed therethrough. FIG. 59B is another perspective view of the top cap of FIG. 59A. FIG. 3 is a cutaway perspective view of a top cap according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a top cap coupled to a canister with a portion of a device assembly according to an embodiment disposed therethrough. FIG. 61B is another side perspective view of the top cap of FIG. 61A. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a base coupling element according to one embodiment. FIG. 62B is another side perspective view of the base coupling element of FIG. 62A. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a base coupling element and access port according to one embodiment. FIG. 63B is another side perspective view of the base coupling element and access port of FIG. 63A. FIG. 63B is a side perspective view of a portion of the base coupling element and access port of FIG. 63A. FIG. 63B is another side perspective view of a portion of the base coupling element and access port of FIG. 63A. FIG. 63B is a cutaway side view of the base coupling element and access port of FIG. 63A. 1 is a side view of an external pressurization system or device with a base coupling element and an access port according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 64B is a top view of the external pressure system of FIG. 64A. 1 is a side view of an external pressurization system or device with a base coupling element and an access port according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 65B is another side view of the external pressurization system or apparatus of FIG. 65A. 1 is a side view of an external pressurization system or device as a robotic device according to one embodiment descends through an opening created by an access port. FIG. FIG. 66B is another side view of the external pressurization system or apparatus of FIG. 66A. FIG. 3 is a side view of an external pressurization system or device in which the forearm of a robotic device according to one embodiment is positioned at an angle of 45 degrees or approximately 45 degrees with respect to the upper arm. FIG. 67B is another side view of the external pressurization system or apparatus of FIG. 67A. 1 is a side view of an external pressurization system or device with a forearm of a robotic device according to one embodiment positioned at a particular position. FIG. FIG. 67B is another side view of the external pressurization system or apparatus of FIG. 67A. 1 is a side view of an external pressurization system or device with the forearm of a robotic device according to one embodiment positioned in a suitable starting position for treatment. FIG. 67B is another side view of the external pressurization system or apparatus of FIG. 67A. FIG. 6 is a side view of an external pressurization system or apparatus having a flexible container according to another embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a base coupling element according to one embodiment. FIG. 71B is another side perspective view of the base coupling element of FIG. 71A. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a port fitting having a removable lid and an access port according to one embodiment. FIG. 72B is another side perspective view of the port fitting and access port of FIG. 72A. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a port fitting having a removable lid and an access port according to one embodiment. FIG. 73B is another side perspective view of the port fitting and access port of FIG. 73A. 2 is a cutaway side view of a port fitting having a removable lid and an access port according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 74B is another cutaway side view of the port fitting and access port of FIG. 74A. 1 is a side perspective view of an external pressure insertion device having a port fitting with a removable lid according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 75B is another side perspective view of the external pressure insertion device of FIG. 75A. FIG. 75B is another side perspective view of the external pressure insertion device of FIG. 75A. 2 is a side perspective view of a top cap having a pressure relief valve according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a top cap with a pressure relief valve and a port seal according to one embodiment. FIG. 77B is a cutaway perspective view of the top cap of FIG. 77A. It is a side view of the insertion apparatus which has an actuator and a sensor package. FIG. 78B is another side view of the insertion device of FIG. 78A. FIG. 78B is another side view of the insertion device of FIG. 78A. 6 is a cutaway side view of an insertion device having a measurement mechanism associated with a top cap according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of an incision port of an insertion device having a measurement mechanism associated with the incision port according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view of a top cap of an insertion device with a string measurement system according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a top view of a top cap of an insertion device having a substantially rigid structure measurement mechanism according to one embodiment. FIG. 82B is a bottom view of the top cap of FIG. 82A. FIG. 82B is a bottom view of the incision port of the insertion device of FIG. 82A. FIG. 82B is a perspective view of a substantially rigid structure having a ball secured with a peg of the insertion device of FIG. 82A. FIG. 82C is a top view of the incision port of FIG. 82C. FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of an incision port having a gas injection port according to one embodiment. 1 is a cutaway side view of an insertion device having a spherical canister according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cutaway side view of an insertion device having a conical canister according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cutaway side view of an insertion device having a canister with a vertical rib structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cutaway side view of an insertion device having a canister with a horizontal rib structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cutaway side view of an insertion device having a canister with a helical rib structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of a base coupler that can be releasably coupled to a canister according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 86B is another side view of the base coupler and canister of FIG. 86A. FIG. 86B is another side view of the base coupler and canister of FIG. 86A. FIG. 86B is another side view of the base coupler and canister of FIG. 86A. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a top cap and an outer handle set according to one embodiment. FIG. 87B is a cutaway side view of the top cap and outer handle set of FIG. 87A. FIG. 87B is a cutaway perspective view of the top cap and outer handle set of FIG. 87A. 1 is a side view of an insertion device according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 88B is a perspective view of the top cap of the insertion device of FIG. 88A. FIG. 88B is a perspective view of the movable seal and the outer handle set of the insertion device of FIG. 88A. FIG. 88B is a perspective view of the incision port of the insertion device of FIG. 88A. 1 is a side view of an insertion device having a substantially inflexible canister portion and a substantially flexible canister portion according to one embodiment. FIG.

  Various embodiments described herein provide systems, devices, and / or methods for accessing a patient's cavity infused with gas and / or for positioning a surgical system or device within a cavity. About.

  Some embodiments allow a surgical system / device to be inserted into the cavity while maintaining sufficient gas injection into the cavity. Further embodiments minimize physical contact with the surgeon or surgical user's surgical device / system during the insertion process. Other implementations improve the safety of the insertion process for patients and systems / devices. For example, some embodiments allow visualization of a system / device and cause damage between the system / device and the patient as the system / device is inserted into a patient's cavity. Make sure to avoid the occurrence of Furthermore, some embodiments allow for minimization of incision size / length. Further implementations reduce the complexity of the access / insertion procedure and / or the steps required for the procedure. Other embodiments relate to devices that have minimal contours, minimal size, or generally minimal functionality and appearance to increase ease of handling and ease of use.

  Any of the various embodiments disclosed herein can be automated or fully automated devices / systems, and thus can be used by inexperienced users on the battlefield or in space flight, etc. It is understood.

  One embodiment relates to an external pressurization system or apparatus. For example, one implementation of an external pressurization system or apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 1A. The apparatus 10 has a canister 12 with a top cap 14 coupled to the top 16 of the canister 12. In this embodiment, a port 18 is coupled to the canister 12 at the base 20 of the canister 12. The port 18 is positioned at an incision in the patient's skin 22 thereby allowing access to the patient's cavity 24. As shown in FIG. 1B, the device 10 is configured to receive a surgical device 26 such that the device 26 can be inserted through the port 18 of the device 10 and into the patient's cavity 24.

  In one implementation, the canister 12 is made of a hard plastic such as, for example, poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Alternatively, the canister 12 may be made from any known rigid material that can be used in a medical device. It will be appreciated that some embodiments of the canister 12 are transparent, such as those shown in the accompanying drawings. The transparent canister 12 allows the user to see the surgical device 26 being inserted. Alternatively, the canister 12 is not transparent and the device 26 can be inserted without viewing the device 26 within the canister 12.

  2A and 2B show an exploded view of the external pressure device 10 according to one embodiment. As described above, the top cap 14 also shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is coupled to the top 16 of the canister 12. The top cap 14 has a seal 30 that is held in place by a cover 32. According to one implementation, the cover is coupled to the top cap 14 by bolts, other similar mechanical fasteners, or any other known mechanism, apparatus or method that couples two such elements together. .

  In one implementation, as best shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B, the seal 30 has an orifice 34 defined in the seal 34. As best shown in FIG. 1B, the orifice 34 is configured to receive a positioning rod 28, as will be described in more detail below. In one embodiment, the seal 30 is made from some type of rubber. In another example, the seal 30 may be made from any known material that can be used to provide a fluid seal around a smooth rod, which may include a gel material or the like. In a further alternative, the top cap 14 may have any known configuration that provides a seal with an orifice or other type of access for the positioning rod 28 or the like.

  As best shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A and 4B, a port 18 (also referred to herein as an “incision port”) according to one implementation has a plurality of elements. In this particular embodiment, port 18 includes a connector ring 40, a base ring 42, a port ring 44 and a sealable sleeve device 46. The sealable sleeve device 46 has an upper sleeve ring 46A and a lower sleeve ring 46B, which are joined together by a flexible sleeve 46C. In some embodiments, the flexible sleeve 46C has elastic properties. As best shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the port ring 44 includes a plurality of teeth or protrusions 44 </ b> A defined in a circular arrangement around the hole 50 at the top of the port ring 44. Further, in one embodiment, ring 44 includes a lip 52 that extends from the bottom of ring 44, which defines the outer edge of hole 50. As will be described below, the lip 52 can be positioned within an incision formed in the patient, thereby defining the minimum circumference of the incision. In addition, three guide protrusions 54 extend from the top of the port ring 44, with the base ring 42 properly positioned when placed on the top of the port ring 44, as described below. Can help to maintain. Further, according to one embodiment, the port ring 44 can also have a notch 60 on its circumference that allows the user to grip the port ring 44 during use as described below. . Alternatively, the port ring 44 may have any external feature or mechanism that a user can use to better grip the ring 44.

  Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the base ring 42 has a lower side having a plurality of recesses 42 </ b> B defined in the ring 42. In one embodiment, as will be described in more detail later, the recess 42B corresponds to the protrusion 44A of the port ring 44, so that the base ring 42 and the port ring 44 can be coupled, and rotational force can be applied from one side. Can be transmitted to the other. In another example, the features of the base ring 42 and the port ring 44 can be ridges that can be easily coupled together. In a further alternative, the feature can be any known feature or physical element that can be coupled together to allow transmission of rotational force as described herein. Further, as best shown in FIG. 5B, the underside of the base ring 42 has an external lip or ridge 62 according to one embodiment. When the base ring 42 contacts the port ring 44, the protrusion 62 contacts the port ring 44 so as to be slidable. In one implementation, the protrusion 62 contacts the port ring 44 to provide a better seal than that provided by the protrusions 42B, 44A alone. Thus, this seal can be a secondary seal that can actually be reinforced as the sleeve device 46 rotates and the two rings 42, 44 are pressed together.

  The connector ring 40 is configured to be connectable to the canister 12 as will be described in more detail later. Further, the connector ring 40 can be coupled to the remainder of the port 18 by being configured to be coupled to the base ring 42. In one embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 2B, threaded holes 40A are defined through the connector ring 40 corresponding to a plurality of threaded holes 42A defined through the base ring 42, such as screws, bolts, etc. Can be inserted into and through the threaded holes 40A, 42A of the two rings 40, 42, thereby joining the two rings 40, 42 together. Alternatively, the two rings 40, 42 may be coupled using any known coupling element or method.

  Base ring 42 can be coupled to port ring 44. When the base ring 42 is placed on and in contact with the top of the port ring 44, the protrusion 44A is positioned in the recess 42B so that any rotational force applied to the base ring 42 does not slide between the two rings 42,44. Rotational friction is established such that it is transmitted to the port ring 44 (or vice versa). Further, the base ring 42 and the port ring 44 are joined so that the holes 48, 50 of each ring 42, 44 correspond accordingly. Alternatively, the two rings 42, 44 may be similarly coupled using any known coupling element or method.

  In use, the external pressure system 10 can be used to insert a surgical device or system into the patient's cavity. Although one insertion method is described herein, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to a single procedure, but instead are any procedure that is intended for the various implementations contemplated herein. It is understood that can be used in

  In one embodiment, port 18 is placed in the incision as follows to create a seal for the incision that fluidly seals the patient's cavity from ambient air outside the patient's body. First, an incision is made in the patient to allow access to the patient's target cavity. In one embodiment, the cavity is a peritoneal cavity, but the target can be any known cavity. Once the incision is formed, the sealable sleeve device 46 is positioned in the incision, for example as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. In this embodiment, device 46 is positioned through incision 58. The device 46 has a lower sleeve ring 46B (not shown in FIGS. 6A-6D) positioned within the patient's body, an upper ring 46A positioned outside the patient's body, and the sleeve 46B extending through the incision 58. Then, the lower sleeve ring 46B is inserted through the incision 58 to be positioned at the incision. According to one embodiment, the lower sleeve ring 46B of the device 46 is a flexible ring 46B that can be deformed so that it can be inserted through the incision 58.

  In one embodiment, as described above, prior to positioning the sealable sleeve device 46 in the incision 58, the device 46 is first similarly positioned through the hole 50 in the port ring 44 and the hole 48 in the base ring 42. . That is, the lower sleeve ring 46B is deformed and inserted through the holes 50 and 48 so that the upper sleeve ring 46A is positioned on top of the base ring 42 (positioned on top of the port ring 44) and lower The sleeve ring 46 </ b> B is positioned at the bottom of the port ring 44. The lower sleeve ring 46B is then inserted through the patient's incision 58 as described above. In another example, the sealable sleeve device 46 may be positioned through the hole 50 in the port ring 44 and the hole 48 in the base ring 42 after the device 46 is positioned through the incision 58.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when the lower ring 46B is inserted through the incision 58 and further positioned in the hole 50 of the port ring 44, as shown in FIG. To be centered on the incision 58. Port ring 44 is not shown in these figures for ease of understanding. The sealable sleeve 46 is then tightened to create a seal, positioning the lower ring 46B snugly below the incision 58 and the top ring 46A snugly on top of the base ring 42. This tightening is generated by rotating the upper ring 46A. In one embodiment, the upper ring 46A is less flexible (more rigid) than the lower ring 46B, thereby allowing the user to grip and rotate the upper ring 46A. FIG. 6C shows the sealable sleeve device 46 after the ring 46A has been rotated so that the sleeve 46C begins to collect and close the opening of the sleeve 46C (or “collapse on itself”). FIG. 6D shows the sleeve device 46 after the user has successfully rotated the ring 46A to the point where a seal is formed on the sleeve 46C by closing the opening of the sleeve 46C.

  It will be appreciated that the base ring 42 and the port ring 44 are intended to be generally rotatable relative to each other during the process of positioning the port 18 and thereby sealing the incision 58. That is, when the base ring 42 is first positioned on the port ring 44, the two rings 42, 44 are rotatable relative to each other. The relative rotation of the two rings 42, 44 allows the sleeve device 46 to rotate, whereby a seal is generated by the sleeve device 46 when the sleeve device 46 is fully tightened. However, as described above, when the sleeve device 46, the port ring 44 and the base ring 42 are positioned in the incision 58 and the sealable sleeve device 46 is tightened to close the hole in the incision 58, as described above, The base ring 42 and the port ring 44 are pressed against each other by the elasticity of the sleeve 46C, and the bottom surface of the base ring 42 and the top surface of the port ring 44 come into contact with each other. Combine with the ridge 42B. The interfacing ridges 44A, 42B provide an interface or coupling that allows the rings 42, 44 to be rotatably coupled when the rings contact, but also releasable if desired. It will be appreciated that the greater the force applied to press the two rings 42, 44 together (the more the sleeve device 46 rotates), the more reliable the coupling of the ridges 44A, 44B.

  As described above, when the sleeve device 46, the port ring 44 and the base ring 42 are positioned in the incision 58, the connector ring 40 is coupled to the base ring 42. In one embodiment as described above, the connector ring 40 is coupled to the base ring 42 via a nut or bolt. Alternatively, standard coupling devices or methods may be used. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the connector ring 40 is coupled to the base ring 42, the port 18 is fully assembled.

  According to one embodiment, in combination with clamping sleeve device 46 as described above, connector ring 40 is coupled to base ring 42 as shown in FIG. A fluid seal is created that seals. More particularly, at this point, sealable sleeve device 46 provides a seal, as best shown in FIG. 6D. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this fluid seal is sufficient to maintain an elevated air pressure in the patient's infused gastric cavity.

  Once this seal is established, the canister 12 with the medical device / system 26 disposed therein, as best shown in FIG. 1B, can be coupled to the connector ring 40, thereby connecting the device / system 26 to the gas Can be inserted into the cavity 24 of the infused patient. Prior to the coupling, the device / system 26 (coupled to the positioning rod 28) must be placed in the canister 12. It will be appreciated that any known procedure within the spirit of the embodiments contemplated herein may be used to place the device / system 26 within the canister 12, but in one implementation, the port 18 Device / system 26 is inserted through the open end (not shown) of the base 20 of the canister 12 (as best shown in FIG. 1A) and the seal 30 of the top cap 14 is defined. A positioning rod 28 is inserted through the orifice 34. According to some embodiments, the positioning rod 28 may have one or more lumens therein, which lumens connect one or more devices / systems 26 to some type of external controller. It will be appreciated that a plurality of connecting elements (wires, strings, etc.) can be included so that the controller can control the device / system 26 via the connecting elements.

  As best shown in FIG. 1B, when the positioning rod 28 extends from the top cap 14 through the orifice 34 of the seal 30 and the device / system 26 is positioned within the canister 12, the canister 12 is connected to the connector ring 40. Can be combined. In one embodiment, best shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, at the base 20 of the canister 12, at least two protrusions 12 </ b> A corresponding to the slots 40 </ b> B of the connector ring 40 extend from the canister 12. More specifically, in the implementation shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the canister 12 has four protrusions 12A (one of which is not shown) corresponding to the four slots 40B of the connector ring 40. . To couple the canister 12 to the ring 40, four projections 12A are inserted into the slot 40B and the canister 12 rotates counterclockwise to fully couple the projection 12A to the slot 40B as shown in FIG. 8B. Position to. Alternatively, canister 12 may be coupled to ring 40 using any known coupling mechanism, apparatus or method.

  When canister 12 is coupled to port 18 as best shown in FIG. 9, a seal is achieved that fluidly separates and seals the fluid in canister 12 from the fluid outside of canister 12. At this point, the pressure in the canister 12 increases until it matches the pressure in the cavity 24 into which the gas has been injected. By making the pressure in the canister 12 equal to the pressure in the cavity 24 into which the gas has been infused, the device / system 26 disposed in the canister 12 can then be moved to either a loss of pressure in the cavity 24 or a loss of gas injection. Can be inserted into the cavity 24 via the seal provided by the sealable sleeve device 46 without providing any. According to one embodiment, the fluid seal is maintained in the canister 12 by a seal created between the canister 12 and the port 18 and by a seal created between the positioning rod 28 and the seal 30. . More specifically, with respect to locating rod 28 and seal 30, rod 28 is sized to contact the inner circumference of orifice 34 of seal 30, thereby providing a hermetic fluid between rod 28 and seal 30. It is understood that a seal is provided. At this point, it is understood that if the user wishes to adjust the positioning of the device / system 26, it can do so using the positioning rod 28.

  When the air pressure in the canister 12 is substantially the same as the air pressure in the infused cavity 24, the device / system 26 exits the canister 12, passes through the port 18 and incision 58, and enters the patient's cavity 24. Move to. In accordance with one embodiment as best shown in FIG. 1B, the device / system 26 is moved through the port 18 and into the cavity 24 using a positioning rod 28 coupled to the device / system 26 at the distal end. Can be made. That is, the user grasps the proximal end of the rod 28 and moves the device / system 26 distally out of the canister 12 and into the cavity 24 as required in the distal direction. The rod 28 can be moved. In implementations where the device / system is a robotic device having an operating arm, the device containing the arm can be advanced through the port 18 and into the gas infused cavity 24. It will be appreciated that the user can similarly rotate the device / system 26 as needed / required by rotating the rod 28. In this manner, the user can position the device / system 26 on demand within the patient's cavity 24 to perform the procedure.

  In an alternative embodiment, the positioning rod 28 can be a larger rod than those shown in these figures, so that it can be used to insert a device and / or camera in the rod 28 1 A plurality of lumens can be defined including one or more larger lumens. It is also possible to achieve gas injection after removal of the canister 12 through such rods 28. In a further alternative, a port such as the known SILS port can be used instead of the rod.

  When the device / system 26 is inserted into the patient's cavity 24 and positioned as required, a sealable sleeve device 46 is interposed between the insufflated cavity 24 and the interior of the canister 12. The fluid seal is reestablished. As a result, the pressure inside the canister 12 can be reduced until it is substantially equal to the ambient pressure. When lowered, the canister 12 can be separated from the connector ring 40. That is, according to one embodiment, the canister 12 is rotated clockwise, thereby disengaging the protrusion 12A from the slot 40B of the ring 40. Once the canister 12 is removed, as best shown in FIG. 11, only the port 18 itself, with a fluid seal achieved by a combination of port 18 elements, including a sealable sleeve device 46 as described above, Remains. Thus, the user is free to position the device / system using the positioning rod 28 (in some embodiments, an external controller (not shown) connected to the device / system via a connecting element). It can be operated. For example, removing the canister 12 can provide additional accessibility to the rod 28 and freedom of movement. Thus, once the canister 12 is removed, as shown in FIG. 11, a medical procedure using the system / device 26 is typically performed.

  Another access and insertion embodiment is a balloon seal that operates to maintain a fluid seal around the surgical device / system so that the relatively high air pressure of the infused cavity is not lost during the surgical procedure. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a balloon seal insertion method and apparatus that uses an insertion device to insert a surgical device / system into a patient's cavity and perform surgery. FIG. 12 shows an example where a balloon seal insertion device 100 is used to position and operate a surgical device 102 within a patient cavity 106 infused with gas. As shown, the insertion device 100 is positioned over a patient's skin (generally shown as 106) through a skin incision (not shown). A connecting rod 104 coupled to the device 102 is positioned through the insertion device 100 to position the surgical device 102 within the patient's cavity 108 infused with gas.

  As best shown in FIGS. 12, 13A and 13B, the insertion device 100 can maintain a fluid seal during the surgical procedure, which is defined within the port housing 110 of the device 100. This is because it has an expandable seal 114 (also referred to herein as an “expandable balloon” or “balloon”) disposed through the hole 112. Balloon 114 is flexible, expandable, and elastic so as to provide a fluid seal around any surgical device disposed through hole 112. Thus, when balloon 114 is inflated, it provides “odd geometry molding” which can expand, contact and follow the shape of any object placed through hole 112, which Means that a fluid seal is generated around the object regardless of the shape of the object.

  As best shown in FIG. 13B, the insertion device 100 includes a port housing 110 that defines a hole 112 as described above. Similarly, as described above, the balloon 114 is disposed within the hole 112. The housing 110 further has two balloon inflation / deflation ports 116A, 116B and a cavity gas inject / outgas port 118. Further, the housing 110 has two attachment elements 120 configured to allow attachment of the coupling element 122. As will be described below, the coupling element 122 is used to couple the housing 110 to a standard sealable sleeve 46.

  Ports 116A, 116B, 118 are configured to accept various types of standard valves and / or connections, such as luer locks, each providing expansion or contraction as required / required Configured to provide an interface for external tubes, hoses and the like. In this particular embodiment, the two connections 124, 126 are luer locks and the one connection 128 is a Schrader valve. According to one implementation, a Schroeder valve is used for connection 128 at port 116B to accommodate connection to a standard air pump and to deflate balloon seal 114 when necessary. A relief valve is also provided. In various implementations of the device 100, instead of the connections 124, 126, 128, any other known valves or connections used in medical devices (eg, standard UNF or NPT size fittings). It is understood that any connection used, etc.) can be used.

  It will be appreciated that the various ports 116A, 116B, 118 are intended to couple to external hoses, tubes, etc., one or more of which are further coupled to an external air pressure source. It is further understood that one or all of the external air pressure sources can be gas injectors or air pumps, typically used for inflation of medical devices. In one embodiment, the external air pressure source is an automatic adjustment device that automatically adjusts the level of air pressure. In another example, the external air pressure source can be any known air pressure source used in inflatable medical devices.

  According to one embodiment, the balloon 114 has an expandable body 142 that connects a top ring 140, a bottom ring 144, and two rings 140, 144. It will be appreciated that these parts of the balloon 114 may be part of a single integral piece that makes up the balloon 114. In another example, the balloon 114 may be composed of separate elements. As best shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C, the top ring 140 is positioned over and coupled to the top lip 130 at the top of the hole 112 and the bottom ring 144 is the bottom lip 132 of the bottom portion of the hole 112. Positioned on and coupled to it. According to one implementation, the rings 140, 144 are attached to the lips 130, 132 chemically (glue or other type of adhesive) or mechanically (clamps, screws, or any other known mechanical attachment). Mechanism) can be combined. Alternatively, the expandable seal 114 can be any known expandable device or element used in medical devices and can provide a fluid seal via a dysmorphic shape. In one embodiment, the balloon 114 is constructed from latex or some type of rubber. Alternatively, the balloon 114 may be made from any known material used in medical devices that are inflatable, elastic, and capable of providing a fluid seal via a dysmorphic shape.

  In one implementation, the thickness of the seal 114 can be varied to affect how the seal 114 operates. For example, the various parts of the seal 114 can have various thicknesses to affect how the seal 114 expands when expanded. In another example, the seal 114 may have a single thickness that can be deformed to affect the resistance of the seal 114 when an object is inserted through the seal 114. In another example, the thickness may be changed as well for other reasons. In further alternative embodiments, one or more additional materials may be added to the seal 114 in addition to the at least one expandable elastic material. For example, the seal 114 may include a fabric or other types of materials that are less elastic and / or less expandable to affect or control the manner of expansion when the seal 114 expands. Good. For example, cloth may be included at the top and bottom of the seal 114 to prevent the seal 114 from expanding vertically (upward or downward), thereby affecting it to expand horizontally relative to the seal 114.

  In the embodiment as shown, the mounting element 120 is a threaded hole configured to receive a screw or bolt or the like. Further, in this implementation, the threaded holes 120 are disposed on both sides of the housing 110. Alternatively, any suitable known attachment element 120 may be used to allow attachment of the coupling element 122 to the housing 110. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number and positioning of the mounting elements 120 in the housing may be varied as needed to allow for various configurations and types of coupling elements 122. be able to.

  14A, 14B, and 14C show additional details regarding the configuration of the port housing 110 according to one embodiment. More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 14B (showing a cross section of housing 110), port housing 110 has two balloon inflation / deflation lumens 150A, 150B defined therein. Balloon inflation / deflation lumen 150A provides a fluid connection between balloon inflation / deflation port 116A and hole 112, thereby allowing inflation or deflation of expandable seal 114 through port 116A. Similarly, balloon inflation / deflation lumen 150B provides a fluid connection between balloon inflation / deflation port 116B and hole 112, thereby also allowing inflation or deflation of expandable seal 114 through port 116B. .

  As best shown in FIG. 14C (showing a different cross section of the housing 110), the port housing 110 is also defined with a luminal insufflation / outgassing lumen 152, which is positioned at the patient's incision. Provides a fluid connection between the cavity insufflation / outgassing port 118 and the patient cavity 108 in fluid communication with the underside of the housing 110. Thus, lumen 152 allows insufflation or degassing of patient cavity 108 via port 118.

  In use, as best shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the device 100 is positioned in a patient incision 160 in combination with a standard sealable sleeve device 162. FIG. 15 shows a standard sealable sleeve device 162. It has an upper ring 164 and a lower ring 166 that are joined together by a flexible sleeve 168. According to one embodiment, the device 162 is substantially similar to the sealable sleeve device described above with respect to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D.

  In one implementation, the sealable sleeve device 162 is first positioned at the incision 160. It is understood that the sleeve device 162 can be inserted using steps similar to those described above. Alternatively, any known insertion step can be used to insert the device 162 into the incision so that the top ring 164 is positioned outside the incision 160, as best shown in FIG. 16A. The lower ring 166 is positioned inside the patient's cavity and the sleeve 168 is placed through the incision 160 itself.

  Once the sleeve device 162 is positioned in the incision 160, the housing 110 is coupled to the sleeve device 162, as best shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. More specifically, according to one implementation, the housing 110 is positioned over the top ring 164 of the sleeve device 162 within a circular recess or notch 170 defined in the bottom of the housing 110. Is done. The shape of the notch 170 corresponds to the shape of the upper ring 164 and is therefore configured to receive the upper ring 164 such that the ring 164 fits snugly into the notch 170.

  When the ring 164 is positioned in the notch 170, the coupling element 122 is coupled to the mounting element 120 of the housing 110, thereby firmly coupling the housing 110 to the sleeve device 162. The coupling element 122 in this embodiment is an element having a vertical piece 122A and a horizontal piece 122B. The vertical piece 122A is coupled to the mounting element 120 using screws or bolts or similar mechanisms. As best shown in FIG. 16A, when the vertical piece 122A is coupled to the mounting element 120, the horizontal piece 122B is also positioned below the housing 110 and below the upper ring 164 located in the notch 170. So that they are positioned. Accordingly, the coupling element 122 operates to retain or lock the upper ring 164 in the notch 170. As a result, retaining the upper ring 164 in the notch 170 can provide a fluid seal between the housing 110 and the sleeve device 162. Alternatively, any suitable known interface that provides a fluid seal between the housing 110 and the sleeve device 162 can be used.

  Once the housing 110 and the sleeve device 162 are coupled, the balloon 114 can be inflated using either or both the port 116A and the port 116B. When the balloon 114 is sufficiently inflated so that the expandable body 142 itself of the balloon 114 is in contact, a fluid seal is created between the patient's cavity and the ambient air outside the patient's body. Once this fluid seal has been established, the patient's cavity 108 can be infused with gas to a desired pressure within the cavity 108 using the port 118 and appropriate devices and / or equipment can be installed inside the cavity 108. Can be inserted into the cavity 108 through the expanded balloon 114 seal without any loss of pressure.

  In one particular example, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, a device / system having two robotic arms 180, 182 is positioned in the patient's cavity 108 through the expandable balloon 114 seal. More specifically, in FIG. 17A, the first robot arm 180 is inserted into the expandable balloon 114 seal. By deforming the expandable balloon 114, the fluid seal is maintained even when the first arm 180 is inserted into the balloon 114. When the first arm 180 is correctly inserted into the cavity 108 and positioned using the connecting rod 184 as required, as shown in FIG. 17B, the second arm 182 is inserted into the balloon 114 seal. Again, this can be done without losing the fluid seal and thus without losing the relatively high pressure of the gas-infused cavity 108 due to the deforming of the balloon 114.

  Returning to FIG. 12, this figure shows the final position of a robotic system having two arms 180, 182. Once the arms 180, 182 are positioned as required, the system can now be manipulated by the user or surgeon to perform the desired procedure.

  It is contemplated that alternative embodiments of balloon seal devices can have more than one balloon seal provided on a single device. Those two or more balloon seals can be provided in various configurations. For example, in one configuration, in addition to the center seal similar to that described above, the second seal can be offset and disposed at an angle with respect to one side of the first seal, thereby Any device or object inserted through the two seals is inserted at an angle. These two or more balloon seals can be pneumatically connected to the same air pressure source; in another example, each seal has its own pressure source and is set at its own level of air pressure. Thus, it is understood that they can be separated by air pressure.

  Another access and insertion embodiment inserts a surgical device / system into the patient's cavity and allows the surgical procedure to be fluidized at the incision so that the relatively high air pressure of the cavity into which the gas was infused is not lost during the procedure. The present invention relates to a rubber seal insertion method and apparatus performed using a rubber seal access / insertion device that operates to maintain a seal. FIG. 18 shows an example of a rubber seal access / insertion device 200 in a cross-sectional view. As shown, the access / insertion device 200 is positioned over a patient's skin (shown schematically as 202) over an incision 206 in the skin 202 and placed through the incision 206. Coupled to the stoppable sleeve device 204.

  As best shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the access / insertion device 200 has a base ring 210 that can be coupled to a sleeve device 204. The apparatus 200 also has three seals 212A, 212B, 212C positioned between the base ring 210 and the first top ring 214. In some embodiments, the device 200 has only a first set of seals (212A, 212B, 212C) and a first upper ring 214. In an alternative embodiment, such as an implementation as shown, the apparatus 200 also has three second seal sets 216A, 216B, 216C disposed between the first upper ring 214 and the second upper ring 218. ing. In this implementation, the first top ring 214 and the second top ring 126 are coupled to the base ring 210 so that each of the seal sets 212, 216 and the two top rings 214, 218 maintain a fluid seal. In addition, the first set of seals 212A, 212B, 212C and the second set of seals 216A, 216B, 216C are maintained in place. According to one embodiment, a set of screws or bolts is disposed through holes 210A, 214A, 218A defined in the outer peripheries of the base ring 210, the first upper ring 214 and the second upper ring 218, respectively, Fastened to secure 214, 218 in place. Alternatively, any known device or mechanism that holds or secures the rings 210, 214, 218 (and thus the seals 212, 214) in place can be used.

  According to one embodiment, the fluid seal produced by a set of seals (eg, 212A, 212B, 212C) provides separate rubber seals with various types of openings defined in each of such seals. Generated by. For example, as best shown in FIG. 20, in this implementation, two openings are formed through each of the seals 212A, 212B, 212C that differ from the corresponding openings in the other seals. Through the seal 212A, two substantially circular holes 230A, 230B are formed. Hole 230A is larger and is more centrally positioned at seal 212A and is intended to receive a surgical device or system, such as a robotic surgical device. Hole 230B is smaller and is positioned closer to the edge of seal 212A and is intended to receive peripheral devices or elements such as a trocar, camera or some other accessory device. These holes 230A, 230B are intended to provide a fluid seal on the outer periphery of any object that passes through them.

  In contrast, two slits 232A, 232B are formed through the seal 212B. The slit 232A is larger and is positioned at a position corresponding to the hole 230A, and the slit 232B is smaller and is positioned at a position corresponding to the hole 230B. Similarly, the seal 212C has a larger slit 234A positioned at a position corresponding to the hole 230A and the slit 232A, and further has a smaller slit 234B positioned at a position corresponding to the hole 230B and the slit 232B. doing. Further, the slits 234A and 234B of the seal 212C are positioned at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the slits 232A and 232B of the seal 212B. According to one implementation, the combination of the slits 232A and 234B of the seal 212B with the slits 234A and 234B of the seal 212C causes the increased pressure in the patient's cavity 208 infused with the gas to open the slit and increase the pressure. A stronger fluid seal is provided that can withstand without loss.

  By incorporating two sets of seals 212, 216 as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the overall fluid seal produced by the device 200 is further enhanced even when the surgical device is inserted through the device 200. . More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 19B, the first upper ring 214 defines a hole 214B at its center. When the first top ring 214 is positioned between the first set of seals 212 and the second set of seals 216, the holes 214B in the first top ring 214 cause a cavity between the two sets of seals 212, 214. Generate. Thus, according to one embodiment, any loss of fluid seal in one set of seals (212 or 214) can result in loss of the entire fluid seal or direct leakage from patient cavity 208 to ambient air outside the patient's body. Does not bring pressure. Thus, the cavity created by the first upper ring 214 can minimize the overall pressure loss from any such leak.

  According to one implementation, each of the seals 212A, 212B, 212C, 216A, 216B, 216C is a relatively thin rubber sheet. Alternatively, each of the seals can be made from any known flexible material that can serve as a seal in a medical device. In one exemplary embodiment, each of the seals is about 0.125 inches thick. In another example, the thickness of each of the seals can vary between about 1.5875 millimeters (about 0.0625 inches) and about 6.35 millimeters (about 0.25 inches) thick. In a further alternative, each set of three seals 212, 216 is a single piece having a thickness ranging from about 4.7875 millimeters (about 0.1875 inches) to about 19.05 centimeters (about 0.75 inches). One seal can be replaced. According to some embodiments, this thickness of a single seal can provide substantially the same type of fluid seal strength as a set of three thin seals.

  As described above, according to some embodiments, the device 200 has only one set of seals 212A, 212B, 212C and only the first upper ring 214. Such an embodiment does not have the cavity created by the first upper ring 214 as described above, but the device 200 with a single set of seals 212 can still provide a sufficient fluid seal. . For example, such a device 200 provides a sufficient fluid seal for insertion of any robotic device having sufficiently smooth outer features and surfaces. Further, the device 200 with a single set of seals 212 can be reduced in overall size of the device 200 and inserted through the device 200 as a result of only passing through the single set of seals 212. Any trauma to the surgical device may be reduced.

  FIG. 21 according to one implementation shows a top view of the apparatus 200. More specifically, FIG. 21 shows a second upper ring 218 positioned over the seal 216A. The holes 236A, 236B of the seal 216A look similar.

  In use, the rubber seal access / insertion device 200 can be positioned for use in the following manner. First, as described above with respect to other embodiments, according to one implementation, the sealable sleeve device 204 is first positioned within the incision 206. It is understood that the sleeve device 204 can be inserted using steps similar to those described above. Alternatively, any known insertion step may be used to align the upper ring 240 outside the incision 206 and the lower ring 242 inside the patient cavity, as best shown in FIG. The device 204 can be inserted into the incision such that the sleeve 244 is positioned through the incision 206 itself.

  Once the sleeve device 204 is positioned within the incision 206, the base ring 210 (and thus the entire device 200) is coupled to the sleeve device 204, as best shown in FIGS. More specifically, according to one implementation, the base ring 210 is positioned on the sleeve device 204 such that the top ring 240 is positioned within a circular recess or notch 250 defined in the bottom of the base ring 210. Positioned on the upper ring 240. The shape of the notch 250 corresponds to the shape of the upper ring 240 and is thus configured to receive the upper ring 240 such that the ring 240 fits snugly within the notch 250.

  When the upper ring 240 is positioned in the notch 250, the coupling element 220 is coupled to the mounting element 252 of the base ring 210, thereby firmly coupling the base ring 210 to the sleeve device 204. The coupling element 220 in this embodiment is an element having a vertical piece 220A and a horizontal piece 220B, as best shown in FIG. 19A or FIG. The vertical piece 220A is coupled to the mounting element 252 using screws or bolts or similar mechanisms. As best shown in FIG. 18, when the vertical piece 220A is coupled to the mounting element 252, the horizontal piece 220B is also below the base ring 210 and below the top ring 240 disposed in the notch 250. Positioned to be positioned. Accordingly, the coupling element 220 operates to retain or lock the upper ring 240 in the notch 250. As a result, retaining the upper ring 240 in the notch 250 can provide a fluid seal between the base ring 210 and the sleeve device 204. Alternatively, any suitable known interface that provides a fluid seal between the base ring 210 and the sleeve device 204 can be used.

  When device 200 and sleeve device 204 are combined as best shown in FIGS. 18 and 23, a fluid seal is established between patient cavity 208 and external air outside the patient's body. At this point, gas can be injected into the patient's cavity to the desired amount of air pressure. Thereafter, one or more surgical devices can be inserted through the seals 212, 216 in the appropriate holes / slits and into the infused patient cavity. In one embodiment, each arm of the robotic surgical device can be inserted separately and sequentially into the cavity 208 through the larger hole (and the larger slit) of the seal. Alternatively, any known device can be inserted into the cavity 208 as long as it fits through the holes and slits as contemplated herein.

  Another embodiment of the access / insertion device relates to another external pressurization system or device similar to the system or device shown in FIGS. 1-11 and described in detail above. Like the device of FIGS. 1-11, the device is coupled to a port positioned over and / or within the incision in the patient's skin, thereby allowing access to the patient's cavity. To do. However, in this implementation as shown in FIGS. 24A-38 and described below, the external pressurization system / device provides access to the interior of the pressurization system / device without a relatively high pressure loss within the system / device. Having an external body with one or more access ports for inserting additional instruments and / or one or more users or medical professional hands, as well as surgical devices Yes.

  For example, FIGS. 24A-24F illustrate one implementation of such an external pressurization system or apparatus 300. FIG. As best shown in FIGS. 24C (top view) and 24D (perspective view), the device 300 includes a main tube (also referred to as a “canister”) 304, a left hand tube 306 with a left hand access port 308, and a right hand access. It has an outer body 302 having a right hand tube 310 with a port 312 and a side access tube 314 with a side access port 316. In addition, the main tube 304 has a device port 318 coupled to the top of the tube 304.

  As best shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the bottom of the main tube 304 can be coupled to the incision port 320. Thereafter, as best shown in FIG. 24F, the incision port 320 can be coupled to a standard sealable sleeve device 322 to access the standard sealable sleeve device 322 to the target cavity 328 of the patient. Can be positioned in an incision 324 formed in the patient's skin 326. The incision port 320 and its coupling to both the main tube 304 and the sealable sleeve device 322 will be described in detail later.

  In the illustrated implementation, the left hand access port 308 and the right hand access port 312 allow the user or medical professional to insert his / her hand into the body 302 via the ports 308, 312. Can be configured. In addition, a side access tube 314 with an access port 316 can be used for instrument storage and / or to assist another user by inserting his hand through the port 316. Further, the device access port 318 can be configured such that various medical devices / systems can be inserted into the body 302 through the port 318. In another example, any of the access ports 308, 312, 316, 318 can be configured to allow hand and / or instrument / device insertion. Further, in various alternative embodiments, the body 302 has a main tube with one, two, four or more additional tubes with access ports for various applications, including any of those described above. It will be appreciated that 304 may be included. It is also understood that the various embodiments contemplated herein include tubes and / or ports that differ in size or shape from those illustrated. For example, in some implementations, the tubes and / or ports can be square or oval shaped.

  In one implementation, the outer body 302 (main tube 304 and access tubes 306, 310, 314) is made from a hard plastic such as, for example, poly (methyl methacrylate) (“PMMA”). In another example, the body 302 can be made from any known rigid material that can be used in a medical device. It will be appreciated that some embodiments of the body 302 are transparent, as shown in the provided figures. The transparent body 302 allows the user to see the interior of the tubes 304, 306, 310, 314 containing any equipment or devices that are being inserted during the procedure. In another example, the body 302 is not transparent and devices / devices can be inserted without being able to see them in the device 300.

  According to one implementation, the sealable sleeve device 322 is a standard commercially available device as described in the various embodiments above, as best shown in FIGS. 24F, 29A, 29B and 30. possible. The device 322 has an upper ring 420 and a lower ring 422 that are joined together by a flexible sleeve 424. According to one embodiment, the device 322 is substantially similar to the sealable sleeve device described above with respect to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D.

  According to one embodiment, the access ports 308, 312, 316, 318 are standard off-the-shelf ports that allow various objects including devices or hands to be inserted through them into the surgical space. To. FIG. 25 shows an example of the access port 340 in use. As shown in the figure, port 340 allows a hand to be inserted through port 340. FIG. 26 illustrates another exemplary access port 342. This port 342 is a GelSeal® port commercially available from Applied Medical of Rancho Santa Margarita, California. In this embodiment, the port 342 has a body 344, a rigid support ring 346 and a movable clamp lever 348 that is used to tighten the port 342 and thus the port 342 to whichever it is attached. It can also be fixed to an annular object. More specifically, the clamp lever 348 is shown in three different positions. In position A, the lever 348 is in the open position A, so the port 342 has its widest circumference. In position B, lever 348 is intermediate between open position A and closed position C, and port 342 has a smaller circumference when in open position A. Finally, in position C, the lever 348 is positioned against the port 342 in the closed position C, and the port 342 has its minimum circumference. In use, the lever 348 is typically in position A when the port 342 is positioned, after which the lever 348 moves to position C and clamps the port 342 in place. In one embodiment, the body 344 is made from a soft gel-like material in a product as provided by Applied Medical. In another example, the body 344 can be made from any material into which an object and / or hand can be inserted, so that a relatively high pressure in the surgical cavity when the object is inserted through the material. The fluid seal is maintained so that it is not lost.

  According to one implementation as shown in FIG. 27A, access ports 308, 312, 316, 318 are coupled to tubes 304, 306, 310, 314 via port adapter ring 350. The port adapter ring 350 has a first ring portion 352 that is sized to mate with any one of the tubes 304, 306, 310, 314 of the body 302. (In this particular description, left hand access tube 306 is used as an example.) Ring 350 also includes a second ring portion 354 sized to mate with a port (in this case, left hand access port 308). Have.

  According to one embodiment, the first ring portion 352 is positioned over the end of the tube 306 and a thumbscrew 356 is inserted through the threaded hole 358A of the first ring portion 352 and into the threaded hole 358B of the tube 306. The first ring portion 352 is then coupled to the tube 306 by holding the first ring portion 352 in place. Alternatively, the first ring portion 352 can be attached to the tube 306 (and also to any of the tubes 304, 306, 310, 314) using any attachment device or mechanism such as a bolt, clamp, or the like. . In one embodiment, a gasket (not shown), such as a foam gasket or rubber gasket, to ensure that a fluid seal is established between the two elements between the tube 306 and the first ring port 352. Are arranged).

  An access port 308 according to one implementation is coupled to the second ring portion 354 as described above. That is, the clamp lever 308 </ b> A of the port 308 is disposed at the position A, and the port 308 is positioned on the second ring portion 354. The lever 308A then moves to the closed position (position C), thereby tightening the port 308 over the second ring portion 354. Alternatively, any known mechanism or method for coupling a port similar to port 308 to the device element can be used.

  According to one embodiment as shown in FIG. 27B, the device access port 318 allows the user to easily stabilize or position the surgical device within the body 302 of the device 300 before or during use. It can have one or more additional structures that allow. More particularly, the device access port 318 in some implementations has one or more device attachment elements 357 (also referred to as “device clips”) positioned along the lumen of the port 318. . The device clip 357 is configured to hold a device, such as a positioning rod 359, within the clip 357, thereby providing a method for coupling a portion of the surgical device being used for the intended procedure to the interior of the body 302. provide. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27B, the attachment element 357 is an actual clip. In another example, the element 357 may be a notch or other type of specifically configured recess 357 defined in the lumen of the port 318 configured to receive a medical device, such as a positioning rod 359. . In a further alternative, the attachment element 357 can be any mechanical or structural mechanism or element that allows coupling to a medical device. In further embodiments, such attachment elements 357 can be located elsewhere in the body 302, such as, for example, either the internal port of another access port or the interior of one of the tubes.

  In various alternative embodiments, other types of access ports may be used in place of the ports described above and shown in FIGS. 24-27B. For example, in one specific alternative implementation, one or more glove ports may be used, such as the glove port 360 shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B. The glove port 360 has a glove element 362 coupled to a glove port ring 364. In various embodiments, the glove port 360 can be coupled to one or more of the tubes 304, 306, 310, 314 of the body 302 at the glove port ring 362. In one embodiment, the glove port ring 362 is coupled to the tube via a clamp lever similar to the clamp lever described with respect to FIG. Alternatively, any known coupling mechanism can be used. Unlike the access ports 308, 312, 316, 318, the glove port 360 does not require that a fluid seal be established around the surgeon's arm or any object inserted therein. Thus, the glove port 360 can help ensure that a pressure differential between the patient's cavity and the ambient air outside the patient's body is maintained. In one embodiment, the glove port 360 has a pressure relief valve (not shown) that can be used to adjust the volume so that the user can use the glove element 362 into the body 302. It is possible to take into account the volume change that occurs when inserting one's own hand. FIG. 28B shows the glove port 360 in use.

  As described above, the incision port 320 is configured to be coupleable to both the main tube 304 and the sealable sleeve device 322 as shown in FIGS. 24F and 29. As best shown in FIGS. 24A and 30, the incision port 320 has a base ring 370. The upper portion of the base ring 370 can be coupled to an internal coupling element 372 that can be coupled to the port seal 450 as will be described in more detail later. Further, the lower portion of the base ring 370 can be coupled to an external coupling element 374 (also referred to in some embodiments as a “sleeve clamp”) that couples the ring 370 to the sealable sleeve device 322. Further, the base ring 370 can be coupled to a coupling element 376 (also referred to in some embodiments as a “tube bracket”) that couples the ring 370 to the main tube 304 of the device 300.

  31A and 31B illustrate a base ring 370 according to one implementation. Ring 370 has a curved recess or notch 378 configured to receive and couple to the bottom of main tube 304. In addition, the ring 370 has three bracket receiving elements 380 configured to receive the tube bracket 376. Further, as best shown in FIGS. 24F, 30 and 35, the bottom of the ring 370 is a circular recess or lumen positioned over and adapted to receive the top ring 420 of the sleeve device 322. 381 is defined. Ring 370 also has a plurality of holes 384 defined in inner ring 382. As will be described in detail later, the plurality of holes 384 correlate with holes 436 in the base plate 430 of the internal coupling element 372. Each bracket receiving element 380 has a protrusion 386 and a horizontal portion 388 in which the tube bracket 376 is positioned and a hole 390 corresponding to the hole 394 in the tube bracket 376 as will be described in detail below. In one embodiment, a gasket (not shown), such as a silicone gasket, foam gasket, or rubber gasket, between the notch 378 and the bottom of the main tube 304 to enhance the fluid seal between the two elements. ) Is provided.

  FIG. 32 shows a tube bracket 376 according to one embodiment. The tube bracket 376 has a base portion 392 in which a hole 394 corresponding to the hole 390 of the bracket receiving element 380 of the base ring 370 is defined. The bracket 376 also has a tube contact portion 396 in which two holes 398 corresponding to the hole 404 at the bottom of the main tube 302 are defined, as described below.

  According to one embodiment, the main tube 302 is coupled to the base ring 370 using a tube bracket 376 as shown in FIG. More specifically, tube bracket 376 is positioned over bracket receiving element 380, base portion 392 of bracket 376 is positioned over horizontal portion 388, and tube contact portion 396 is positioned over protrusion 386. In that position, bracket 376 is coupled to base ring 370 by inserting screw nail 400 through hole 394 in bracket 376 and into hole 390 in ring 370. Further, the bracket 376 is coupled to the main tube 302 by inserting two screws 402 through the hole 398 of the bracket 376 and into the hole 404 of the tube 302. Thus, the tube 302 is attached in place using the bracket 376 in contact with the incision 320 and specifically the base ring 370. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24A-24F, there are three tube brackets 376 (disposed about 120 degrees apart from each other around port 320) used to couple tube 302 to port 320. Alternatively, two brackets or four or more brackets can be used at different locations around the port 320. In a further alternative, any known type of coupling mechanism can be used to maintain the tube 302 coupled to the port 320.

  As described above, the incision port 320 is coupled to the sealable sleeve device 322 using a sleeve clamp 374. FIG. 34 illustrates one embodiment of a sleeve clamp 374. The clamp 374 is within a hole 406 defined at the top of the clamp 374 and a notch 410 defined below the bracket receiving element 380 of the base ring 370 (as best shown in FIG. 31B), as described below. Protrusions 408 configured to fit and protrusions 412 configured to help hold the upper ring 420 of the sealable sleeve device 322 in place in the clamp 374. Hole 406 corresponds to hole 394 in bracket 376 and hole 390 in base ring 370 so that sleeve clamp 374 is positioned under bracket receiving element 380 in base ring 370 and the screw nail passes through hole 394 and hole 390. When inserted, the sleeve clamp 374 is also screwed into the hole 406 so that it is coupled to the base ring 370.

  As best shown in FIGS. 30 and 35, when the port 320 is positioned over the sleeve device 322 such that the top ring 420 is positioned within the bottom lumen 318 of the base ring 370, as described above. The sleeve clamp 374 can be coupled to the base ring 370 so that the clamp 374 contacts the upper ring 420 of the sealable sleeve device 322 so that the upper ring 420 is in its desired position as shown. Retained. Further, the notch 412 in the clamp 374 can further serve to hold the upper ring 420. In one embodiment, a gasket (not shown), such as a foam gasket, rubber gasket, or silicone gasket, is disposed between the top ring 420 and the underside of the base ring 370, so that between the two elements. Provides a stronger fluid seal.

  As described above, according to one embodiment, the upper portion of the base ring 370 can be coupled to the internal coupling element 372 as best shown in FIGS. 24A, 30 and 36. The internal coupling element 372 includes a base plate 430 and a male element 432 protruding from the base plate 430. A plurality of holes 436 are defined in the base plate 430. These holes 436 correspond to the holes 384 defined in the inner ring 382 of the base ring 370, thereby using screws 438 (or bolts or any other known coupling mechanism) as illustrated. Base plate 430 may be coupled to inner ring 382 of base ring 370. Further, the interior of male element 432 has two device attachment elements 440 (also referred to herein as “device clips”) (only one such clip 440 is shown in FIG. 36). Each device clip 440 allows a user to couple a positioning rod or some other device element (as described elsewhere herein) to the clip 440 before or during the surgical procedure. In such a way that the position of the device is stabilized or maintained.

  As best shown in FIG. 36, male element 432 has three notches 434 formed in or machined around its periphery (one of which is fully shown in FIG. 36). The notch 434 has a vertical portion 434A and a horizontal portion 434B communicating with the vertical portion 434A. Each notch 434 is configured to receive a corresponding protrusion formed on the inner periphery of any device intended to couple with the male element 432. Thus, to couple the device to the male element 432, the device is positioned on the male element 432 with the projection of the device positioned on the corresponding notch 434 of the male element 432. The device is then positioned over the male element 432 such that each protrusion moves along the vertical portion 434A of the notch 434 until it reaches the horizontal portion 434B. When the horizontal portion 434B is reached, the device can be rotated so that each protrusion can be moved circumferentially along the horizontal portion 434B of the notch 434 so that the device can move the male of the inner coupling element 372. Coupled to element 432.

  In one implementation, as best shown in FIGS. 37A, 37B and 37C, one of the elements that can be coupled to the internal coupling element 372 is a port seal 450. Port seal 450 has a seal clamp 452 coupled to a base seal ring 454. By coupling the clamp 452 to the ring 454, the seal element 456 is positioned between the clamp 452 and the ring 454 so that the seal element 456 is secured in place within the port seal 450. In one embodiment, as shown, the seal clamp 452 is defined with a plurality of holes 458 that correspond to holes (not shown) in the base seal ring 454 so that a screw nail 460 (or bolt or the like) is formed. Is inserted through the hole 458 and into the hole in the ring 454 so that the two elements can be joined together. Alternatively, any other known attachment mechanism can be used. In one embodiment, a gasket (not shown) such as a foam gasket, silicone gasket or rubber gasket between the male element 432 and the base seal ring 454 to enhance the fluid seal between the two elements. Can be arranged.

  The seal clamp 452 in one embodiment has a plurality of protrusions 464 that extend from the top surface of the clamp 424. These protrusions 464 can be easily grasped by the user to place or remove the port seal 450 over the male element 432. Further, as best shown in FIG. 37C, three protrusions 462 are disposed on the inner periphery of the ring 454 below the base seal ring 454. The three protrusions 462 correspond to the three notches 343 defined on the outer periphery of the male element 432, thereby allowing the base seal ring 454 to be coupled to the male element 432 as described above.

  According to one implementation, the sealing element 456 (also referred to herein as a “flexible sealing element” or “elastic sealing element”) allows a device or other device to be inserted through the sealing element 456. Of flexible or elastic material configured to do (and to allow the sealing element 456 to be positioned over such a device, such as a positioning rod, as will be described in more detail later) It is a circular sheet. In one embodiment, the sealing element 456 is a circular rubber sheet with small holes (not shown) through which equipment can be inserted. In another example, the sealing element 456 can be any known material configured to maintain a fluid seal when a device or device is inserted through the sealing element 456.

  According to one embodiment, different types of sealing elements may be incorporated within the device 300. As shown in FIGS. 38A, 38B and 38C, a flap seal element 470 is provided. The flap seal element 470 has two flaps (a first flap 472 and a second flap 474) that contact each other at an intermediate point of the element 470. Each of the flaps 472, 474 has ridges or teeth 472A, 474A on the surface that correspond to the ridges 474A of the flaps 474, thus interfacing or coupling to each other. To make contact. In one implementation, as shown, the flap seal element 470 is disposed between the base ring 370 and the internal coupling element 372. According to one implementation, the configuration of the flaps 472, 474 and the combined ridges 472A, 474A extending downward toward the patient's cavity results in the flaps 472, 474 extending outwardly away from the patient's cavity. Providing structural strength to prevent mechanical failure (also referred to as “blowout”) in which the flaps 472, 474 are forced outward by relatively high air pressure until the fluid seal is lost Can do.

  In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 38A, the flap seal element 470 can be incorporated and used within the incision port 320 when the port seal 450 is not coupled to the port 320. In another example, a flap seal element 470 can be incorporated and used within the incision port 320 when the port seal 450 is coupled to the port 320, as shown in FIG. 38B.

  In various embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein with respect to access and insertion systems, devices and methods, in use, not only the medical device, but also associated equipment and / or one or more medical professional hands. A relatively high air pressure that is particularly relevant to an external device having one or more ports for insertion to access the interior of the device during a medical procedure and that is substantially the same as the patient's cavity into which the gas has been infused Can be maintained in the apparatus. According to one implementation, the high pressure is approximately 18 mmHg above atmospheric pressure, which is approximately the amount of pressure used to inject gas into the patient's abdominal cavity during laparoscopic procedures. In another example, any known relatively high amount of pressure used during a medical procedure can be used.

  A method of using the apparatus 300 according to one embodiment includes at least some of the following steps. First, as described above with respect to other embodiments, according to one implementation, the sealable sleeve device 322 is first positioned within the incision 324 (see FIGS. 24F, 29A, 29B, and 30). ). It will be appreciated that the sleeve device 322 can be inserted using steps similar to those described above. In another example, as best shown in FIG. 30, the upper ring 420 is positioned outside the incision 324, the lower ring 422 is positioned within the patient's cavity, and the sleeve 424 is positioned through the incision 324 itself. In addition, the device 322 can be inserted into the incision 324 using any known insertion step.

  The incision port 320 and device 300 are then coupled to the sealable sleeve device 322. As best shown in FIGS. 30, 33 and 35, the base ring 370 of the incision port 320 is positioned over the top ring 420 of the sleeve device 322 and the top ring 420 is positioned within the lumen 381 at the bottom of the base ring 370. To be positioned. Further, the bottom portion of the main tube 304 of the device body 302 can be positioned within the curved notch 378 of the base ring 370. At this point, both the device 300 and the sleeve device must be positioned and coupled to the incision port 320 as required. To do so, the tube bracket 376 and sleeve clamp 374 are positioned on the base ring 370 as described above and secured in place using the screw nail 400. The screw 402 is then similarly arranged. Accordingly, the incision port 320 is coupled to both the device 300 and the sleeve device 322 and a fluid seal is created between the interior and exterior of the body 302.

  According to one embodiment, at least one medical device or device used during the procedure can be placed in the body 302 prior to coupling the body 302 to the incision port 320. For example, in one embodiment, a device 480 positioned within the body 302 as best shown in FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24D, and 24F is positioned within the body 302, and in some implementations (see FIG. 27B) (as shown in 27B). More specifically, in the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24D, and 24F, device 480 is comprised of two arms 482A, 482B positioned within body 302. Alternatively, any medical device used in the surgical procedure can be positioned within the body 302 in the same or similar manner.

  It will be appreciated that, according to one implementation, the port seal 450 is not coupled to the internal coupling element 372 (coupled to the incision port 320) at this point during deployment of the device 300. Thus, according to one embodiment, the port seal 450 is stored in the side access tube 314 while the body 302 is coupled to the port 320, as best shown in FIGS. 24B, 24C and 24D. Yes. In another example, the port seal 450 can be separated from the internal coupling element 372 and placed in the side access tube 314 prior to positioning the medical device within the body 302 and coupling the body 302 to the incision port 320.

  When the device 300 is coupled to the incision port 320 and the incision port 320 is coupled to the sealable sleeve device 322, a fluid seal within the device 300 is established and gas can be injected into the patient's cavity. This insufflation increases the pressure in the patient's cavity and in the device 300 (because neither the port seal 450 nor the flap seal 470 are coupled to the internal coupling element 372).

  Once insufflation is achieved, the device 480 is placed in the patient's cavity via the incision port 320. More specifically, the user or medical professional inserts his / her hand into left hand access port 308 and right hand access port 312 and moves the medical device through incision port 320 to a position in the cavity. At this point, if the medical device has a positioning rod 359, the rod 359 can be coupled to the device clip 440 inside the male element 432 of the internal coupling element 372 of the port 320, thereby allowing the patient to A medical device can be established, maintained, or secured within the lumen of the patient. Alternatively, any type of mechanism or method, including any type of device or method unrelated to device 300, may be used to position and maintain the device in that position.

  Once the medical device is positioned as required, the port seal 450 can be positioned in place on the device (or device positioning rod 359 (or rods)). That is, the user reaches through the hand access ports 308, 312 and removes the seal 450 from the side access tube 314 and places it over the device / rod 359 so that the device and / or rod 359 seals the seal 450. Inserted through element 456 and then coupled to male element 432 of internal coupling element 372 as described above.

  Once the port seal 450 is in place, the body 302 can be removed from the incision port 320. More specifically, the user can remove screw nail 402 and then remove main tube 304 from port 320. A fluid seal between the patient cavity and the ambient air outside the patient's body is maintained by the port seal 450.

Thereafter, the user / medical professional can begin to perform a medical procedure.
39A and 39B show alternative external pressurizer embodiments. In this embodiment, the device 500 is a single tube 502 with a single access port 504 disposed at the top of the tube 502. Access port 504 helps establish a fluid seal when a medical device or surgeon's hand is inserted through port 504. Two camera ports 506 also extend from the bottom of the tube 502. According to one implementation, the tube 502 is configured to couple to an incision port, including any incision port or any known incision port disclosed elsewhere herein.

  A further embodiment shown in FIG. 40 is another alternative external pressure device 510. The device 510 has a tube 514 that can be coupled to the incision port 516, and two slots 511 and 513 are formed on both sides of the tube 514. These slots 511, 513 provide fluid communication between the interior of tube 514 and the exterior of tube 514. In one embodiment, the rod slots 512 are each configured to receive a positioning rod. Device 510 further includes two slot seals 512, one seal 512 being disposed in each of slots 511, 513. These slot seals 512 are configured to maintain a fluid seal in each of the slots 511, 513 so that an object can be positioned through either or both of the slots 511, 513 and the fluid seal is not lost. . Tube 514 also has two sets of device attachment elements 518A, 518B (also referred to as “rod clips”). Each set of rod clips 518A, 518B has two device clips, a horizontal clip 515A and an angled clip 515B.

  In use, the device can be positioned within the tube 514 such that a positioning rod coupled to the device extends from the tube 514 through one of the slots 511, 513. By coupling the positioning rod to the horizontal clip 515A, the device can be secured in place within the tube 514. A gas can then be injected into the patient's cavity. When ready, the positioning rod is moved down the slot (511 or 513) so that the device moves down the tube 514 and is inserted through the port 516 into the patient's cavity. Can do. At this point, the positioning rod is angled upward and clipped to the angled clip 515B, thereby fixing the positioning of the device within the patient's cavity.

  Another implementation relates to a positioning tube 520 as shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B. In this embodiment, the positioning tube 520 can also act as a large positioning rod. Two guide slots 522 are defined in the tube 520 or attached to the interior of the tube 520. Each guide slot 522 is configured to receive a positioning rod 524. In this implementation, each device 526 (or device arm) can be coupled to the end of one of the positioning rods 524 and inserted through the tube 520 into the patient's cavity. Due to the size of the tube 520, the devices 526 must be inserted one at a time. In another example, the tube 520 can be sized so that both devices 526 can be inserted simultaneously. An air lock 528 is also disposed on the tube 520. The airlock 528 is configured such that the tube 520 can be fluidly divided into two fluidly separated compartments when the airlock 528 is closed.

  In use, the positioning tube 520 (with the robot arm 526 disposed therein) can be inserted through any of the various incision ports described elsewhere herein. Once the tube 520 is positioned such that the distal end of the tube 520 extends into the patient's cavity, a seal is placed on the top of the tube 520 by placing a seal cap (not shown) on the top. Generated. Once the inside of the tube 520 is sealed, the positioning rod 524 can be biased distally, thereby pushing the arm 526 out of the tube 520 and into the patient's cavity. When the second arm 526 is inserted, the air lock 528 is closed. That is, the airlock 528 is closed to provide a fluid seal between the top of the tube 520 and the bottom of the tube 520. Once the air lock 528 is in place, the seal cap is removed and the second arm 526 can be positioned within the tube 520. At this point, the seal cap can be replaced, the airlock 528 can be released, and the second arm 526 can be inserted into the patient's cavity.

  Some additional embodiments relate to various types of incision ports. For example, FIG. 42 shows stacked incision ports 540. Port 540 actually has two access ports 542, 544 coupled together, with a cavity 546 between the two access ports 542, 544. In one embodiment, the access ports 542, 544 are commercially available GelSeal® ports. A cavity 546 between the two access ports 542, 544 enhances the overall fluid seal of the port 540. In other words, the cavity 546 reduces the amount of air pressure loss, thereby reducing the overall loss, since any air pressure loss is lost within the cavity and not to the surrounding air.

  FIG. 43 illustrates another incision port embodiment. The incision port 550 actually has two seals coupled within the port, a rubber seal 552 and a flap seal 554. Two camera ports 556 also extend from port 550. In one embodiment, the rubber seal 552 has three different rubber disks (not shown) similar to the different disks shown in FIG. 20 and described above. The disk of this rubber seal 552 can have different openings / incisions for each disk, similar to the disk shown in FIG. In another example, the rubber seal 552 can be similar to any rubber seal or flexible seal described elsewhere herein. The flap seal 554 according to one embodiment is similar to the flap seal shown in FIGS. 38A-38C.

  FIG. 44 illustrates another incision port embodiment. More specifically, this port is a two-seal port 560 having a first rubber seal 562 and a second rubber seal 564. Port 560 also has a base ring 570, an intermediate ring 568 and a top ring 566. The intermediate ring 568 provides a cavity (not shown) configured between the two seals 562, 564 to partition any pressure loss due to either of the seals 562, 564. The presence of the cavity makes this embodiment very similar to the incision port shown in FIG. According to one embodiment, each rubber sheet 562, 564 is about 1.27 centimeters (about 0.5 inches) thick and has a single slit (not shown) formed through its middle. . In another example, each of the sheets 562 and 564 has two openings (not shown) formed through intermediate portions thereof.

  45A and 45B show a further incision port embodiment. This port is a three sheet rubber seal port 580 having three rubber sheets (only the top sheet 584 is shown), a single ring 582. In one embodiment, each of the three sheets has an opening corresponding to the opening of the other two sheets. In a further embodiment, the opening is similar to that shown in FIG. 20 and described above. In another example, each sheet can have two corresponding openings.

  46A and 46B show a further incision port system embodiment. This system is an air barrier port system 590 having an air barrier port 592. This port 592 is coupled to four air tubes 596A, 596B, 596C, 596D coupled to the intake port 594. In operation, high pressure air is provided to the intake port 594 and is forced into the port 592 through the four tubes 596A-596D. Four tube connections 598A, 598B, 598C, 598D are arranged on the port 592 so that air is forced into a channel (not shown) surrounding the hole 600 of the port 592. The air is then forced through a circular nozzle (not shown) in communication with a channel (not shown) that discharges air out of the nozzle and across the hole 600. According to one implementation, the air flow emitted across the hole 600 is directional and fast (both affect the creation of the air barrier). As a result, an air barrier is created in the hole 600 defined in the port 592. That is, high velocity air movement across or within hole 600 creates a sufficient fluid seal to maintain insufflation of the patient's cavity.

  FIG. 47 illustrates another incision port embodiment, in this case a one sheet rubber seal port having a single rubber sheet 612 (another flexible sealing material) disposed between the base ring 614 and the top ring 616. 610 is shown. In one embodiment, a slit (not shown) is formed in the sheet, through which a surgical device or other instrument can be inserted. In another example, the sheet can have two slits or other types of openings.

  48A and 48B show another incision port embodiment. This port is a 2 brush port 620. The port 620 has a main body 622 including a first brush holder 624 and a second brush holder 626. The first brush 628 is disposed in the first brush holder 624, and the second brush 630 is disposed in the second brush holder 626. In addition, an opening 632 is formed in the bottom portion of the body 622 that can provide access to the patient's cavity. The brush bristles of the two brushes 628, 630 are blended and meshed at brush seal 634 so that the bristle mesh provides a sufficient fluid seal to maintain the patient's cavity infused with gas. Generate.

  49A and 49B show another brush port, in this case three brush ports 640. FIG. The port 640 has a main body 642 that includes a first brush holder 644, a second brush holder 646, and a third brush holder 648. The first brush 650 is disposed in the first brush holder 644, the second brush 652 is disposed in the second brush holder 646, and the third brush 654 is disposed in the third brush holder 648. In addition, an opening (not shown) is formed in the bottom portion of the body 642 that can provide access to the patient's cavity. The brush bristles of the three brushes 650, 652, 654 are mixed and meshed in the brush seal 656 so that the bristle mesh has sufficient fluid to maintain the patient's cavity infused with gas. Create a seal.

  According to another implementation, FIGS. 50A, 50B, and 50C illustrate an insertion device 670 that can be used to insert both arms of a robotic surgical device into a patient's cavity. The insertion device 670 has an insertion tube 672 through which an insertion rod 674 is slidably disposed. In addition, the device has a first arm 676 A and a second arm 676 B, both of which are coupled to the distal end of tube 672. The first arm 676A is coupled to an end bracket 680A coupled to the end of the first device body 682A, and the second arm 676B is coupled to an end bracket 680B coupled to the end of the second device body 682B. Has been. Further, the insertion rod 674 is coupled to two central brackets (only the bracket 678A is visible in the figure), and one central bracket 678A is coupled to an intermediate portion of the first body 682A, and a second central bracket (not shown). Is coupled to an intermediate portion of the second body 682B.

  In use, the insertion device 670 can be used to insert a two-arm surgical device through a hole (incision, port, etc.) and into the patient's cavity prior to manipulation in the patient's cavity. To accomplish this insertion, the insertion device 670 initially maintains the insertion configuration (as best shown in FIG. 50A) so that the surgical device has its minimal circumferential contour, thereby providing the insertion device. 670 can pass through a smaller hole. Once the surgical device is inserted into the patient's cavity, the insertion device 670 can be moved to its deployed configuration (as best shown in FIG. 50C) so that the surgical device is in its operational configuration. To accomplish this, the user or surgeon retracts the insertion rod 674 in the proximal direction (away from the surgical device). This retraction of the rod 674 biases the two central brackets (only the central bracket 678A of the body 682A is shown) in the same proximal direction. Since the two end brackets 680A, 680B are held in substantially the same position by the two arms 676A, 676B, as a result, the two device bodies 682A, 682B pass through the transition shown in FIG. 50B to FIG. 50C. Move to the mode of operation shown. At this point, the user or surgeon can use the surgical device (including its two arms 684A, 684B) to perform the planned surgery or procedure.

  A number of device access and insertion devices and methods are disclosed in this application. All of the various devices and methods that allow access to the cavity and insertion of a device having two arms are generally separated into separate arms to allow each arm to be inserted individually. It can also be used in connection with devices that can do. In one embodiment, one advantage of inserting each arm separately is that the first arm and then the second arm (and possibly more arms) are inserted sequentially, and both arms are inserted simultaneously. That can be achieved through smaller incisions.

  51A and 51B show an alternative embodiment of an insertion device 690 (with the same intention as the insertion device shown in FIGS. 50A-50C). Although the above embodiments in FIGS. 50A-50C show an insertion device used in a two-arm device, this insertion device 690 is used in a single arm 704 or two arms that are inserted separately. That is, in this embodiment, a single device arm 704 is coupled to the insertion device 690. As shown, the device is positioned through an insertion tube 692 (which can also be a positioning rod or support rod). This device has two movable rods 694, 696 slidably disposed within a support rod 692. The first movable rod 694 is coupled to the first robot arm 704 at its distal end and to the control lever 698 at its proximal end. Second movable rod 696 is coupled at its distal end to coupling link 700 (coupled to arm 704) and at its proximal end to coupling link 702 (coupled to lever 698). .

  In use, the lever 698 can be actuated to move the first rod 694 and the second rod 696 relative to each other. This movement of the rods 694, 696 can be used to move the arm 704, thereby positioning the arm 704 within the patient's cavity as required or required.

  51B, which is a cross-section of support rod 692, shows support rod 692 having two separate lumens 706, 708 or slots, one for each of movable rods 694,696. In one embodiment, the first movable rod 694 is positioned within the first lumen 706 and the second movable rod 696 is positioned within the second lumen 708.

  In a further embodiment, it is understood that the support rod 692 can have two halves that can be coupled at the mating feature 714, a right half 710 and a left half 712. Alternatively, the two halves can be coupleable by any known mechanical means. The right half 710 is configured to hold a first rod 694 and a second rod 696 associated with a first (or right) arm 704 and a left half is a second (or left) arm (not shown). ) Associated with the first rod 716 and the second rod 718. Thus, this embodiment can be used with two arms, each arm being inserted and positioned separately.

  FIG. 52 shows another embodiment where two separate arms can be inserted and positioned separately by using an overtube 722. In this device 720, the first movable rod 724 and the second movable rod 726 are still positioned within the support rod 728. However, in this embodiment, the support rod 728 is positioned within the overtube 722. Overtube 722 may pass through the top of support rod 728 to couple support rod 728 to a second support rod (not shown) or another half of the support rod. This embodiment is another way of joining two support rods or two halves of the support rod just as the mating feature 714 accomplishes its task in the previous embodiment.

  Of course, as shown in FIG. 53, in any embodiment in which the surgical device or robot arm is provided with a motor 740 that can be disposed within the positioning rod or support rod 744 and coupled to the robot arm 742. A separate insertion device is not required. Instead, the arm 742 can be easily positioned by actuating the motor 740, and the arm 742 can transmit motive power to the arm 742 via the bevel gear 746.

  54A and 54B show a different type of access / insertion device than that described above. Unlike the above devices, which are generally incision ports, or devices positioned outside the patient's cavity, the internal pressurized bag device 750 shown in these two figures is initially positioned within the patient's cavity. Device 750 includes a port seal 752, an outer sleeve 754 and an inner sleeve 756. The outer sleeve 754 is releasably sealed at the distal end 758. That is, as described below, the outer sleeve 754 has a releasable seal that can be intentionally broken or released at a desired time during the procedure.

  In use, the entire device 750 is placed within the incision port so that the port seal 752 is coupled to the incision port (which creates a fluid seal) and the inner sleeve 756 and outer sleeve 754 are positioned within the patient's cavity. Can be positioned. Once the device 750 is positioned, gas can be infused into the patient's cavity, and the outer sleeve 754 can be pressurized to a pressure higher than the pressure in the cavity into which the gas has been infused, so that the outer sleeve 754 is Expands to its maximum expansion (in some cases, thereby making the outer sleeve 754 substantially rigid). At this point, the surgical device can be inserted through the incision port and into the outer sleeve 754 and positioned as required. At this point, the outer sleeve 754 can be removed by releasing the releasable seal at the distal end of the outer sleeve 754. That is, the releasable seal can be a chemical seal such as an adhesive that can be deactivated by applying a different composition. In another example, the releasable seal may be a string or something similar mechanical release device. In a further alternative, the releasable seal can be any known mechanism or method that can release the seal. When the seal is released, the outer sleeve 754 can be withdrawn from the cavity beyond the inner sleeve 756 and other elements, as best shown in FIG. 54B.

  FIG. 55 shows another implementation of an external pressurization system or apparatus 800. The apparatus 800 has a container 802 with a top cap 804 coupled to the top of the container 802. In this embodiment, a port 806 is coupled to the container 802 at the base of the container 802. Port 806 is configured to be positionable within an incision in the patient's skin, thereby providing access to the patient's cavity. As shown in FIG. 55, the device 800 is configured to receive the surgical device 808 so that the surgical device 808 can be inserted into the patient cavity through the port 806 of the device 800.

  According to one embodiment, in contrast to the canister 12 described above and shown in FIGS. 1A-10, the container 802 of the device 800 is made of a flexible material such as, for example, polyethylene plastic, latex, nylon or silicone rubber. Have been made. Accordingly, the container 802 can be manipulated and configured with respect to the shape of the container 802, and more specifically, the height of the container 802 can be reduced while the robotic device is inserted into the patient's cavity. Thus, it can be compressed in the longitudinal direction. This will be described in further detail herein.

  The top cap 804 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 56A-61B. As shown in FIGS. 56A and 56B, the top cap 804 has a cap body 810, a removable cable harness 812, an access lumen 814, a support rod lumen 816, a threaded lumen 818, and a clamp projection 820. The cap 804 is defined with a notch 822 that is configured to receive the harness 812. Further, five channels 824A are defined or formed in the notch 822. Channel 824A mates with channel 824B defined in removable harness 812, so that when harness 812 is positioned within notch 822 and thus coupled to cap body 810, as best shown in FIG. 56B. Channel 824A and channel 824B fit to form lumen 824. In one implementation, the lumens 824 can be formed of different sizes and configured to accept various cables and / or suction irrigation tubes that extend from the external controller through the top cap 804 to the surgical device 808. .

  Further, a groove 826 is formed or defined around the outer edge of the cap body 810, including the outer edge of the harness 812, so that when the harness 812 is coupled to the body 810, the O-ring is inserted into the groove 826. It can be placed around the outer edge of the inner body 810.

  57A and 57B show top cap 804 coupled to canister 802. FIG. As best shown in FIG. 57B, a flexible canister 802 is disposed around the periphery of the body 810 and an elastic ring (also referred to as an “O-ring”) 828 is disposed around the canister 802 in the groove 826, thereby A portion of the canister 802 is positioned in the groove 826 between the body 810 and the ring 828, which pushes the canister 802 into the groove 826, thereby providing a fluid seal between the canister 802 and the top cap 804. Generate. Further, in an alternative embodiment, a silicone sealant can be applied to the groove 826 to increase the strength of the fluid seal. According to one implementation, the O-ring 828 can also serve to secure the cap body 810 and the harness 812 to each other. In a further alternative, the O-ring 828 can be any elastic member that can be used to maintain a fluid tight connection between the canister 802 and the top cap 804. In yet another alternative, any coupling mechanism can be used.

  58A and 58B show a portion of device assembly 808 positioned through top cap 804. FIG. More specifically, the support rod 830 coupled to the device 808 is slidably disposed through the lumen 816 of the cap body 810. Further, according to one implementation, a portion of the device 808 is also coupled or mated to the top cap 804. More specifically, the stabilization protrusion 832 of the device 808 can be coupled with a mating hole 834 defined or formed on the underside of the body 810, as best shown in FIG. 58B. Positioning the stabilization projection 832 in the mating hole 834 creates a passage from the lumen 814 into and through the stabilization projection 832 so that additional devices or cameras can be installed without loss of pressure. 800 can be passed.

  As shown in FIGS. 59A, 59B and 60, the top cap 804 is coupled to the support rod 830 by two threaded set screws 840. As best shown in FIG. 59B, set screw 840 is threaded into lumen 818. More specifically, the set screw 840 can be screwed into the threaded lumen 818 until it contacts the support rod 830. The set screw 840 is configured to apply pressure against the support rod 830, thereby creating a frictional resistance that helps secure the support rod 830 and thus the device 808 to the top cap 804.

  As best shown in FIG. 60, a connecting cable 842 that is coupled to the robotic device 808 at the distal end is disposed through one of the lumens 824. It will be appreciated that other cables may be placed through additional lumens 824 as well. According to one embodiment, the cable is placed in channel 824A or 824B prior to coupling harness 812 to body 810. In another example, one or more of the cables can be inserted into one of the lumens 824 after the body 810 and the harness 812 are coupled together.

61A and 61B show the container 802 coupled to the top cap 804. FIG.
62A and 62B illustrate a base coupling element (also referred to as a “base coupler”) 850 coupled to the bottom portion of the container 802. FIG. Base coupler 850 includes three coupling protrusions (also referred to as “coupling notches”) 856 extending from upper groove 852, lower groove 854, and a portion of coupler 850 between upper groove 852 and lower groove 854. have.

  Similar to the top cap 804 described above, the container 802 is coupled to the base coupler 850 using an O-ring 858. More specifically, the container 802 is positioned over the upper portion of the coupler 850 such that it is positioned over the upper groove 852 and adjacent to or in contact with the three protrusions 856. An O-ring 858 is disposed across the container 802 in the upper groove 852 to push a portion of the container 802 into the groove 852, thereby creating a fluid seal between the container 802 and the base coupler 850.

  63A, 63B, 63C, 63D and 63E illustrate the coupling of the base coupler 850 to the access port 806. FIG. Access port 806 has a top portion (or “top ring”) 860, a bottom portion (or “bottom ring”) 862 and a middle portion (or “neck”) 864. Extending from a portion of the upper ring 860 are three coupling protrusions (also referred to as “coupling tabs”) 866 that are configured to mate with coupling notches 856.

  In one embodiment, the access port 806 is a known standard device used in manual assisted laparoscopic surgery. As understood in the art, the access port 806 provides a structured open passage through a cavity wall, such as the abdominal wall, at the incision site. In one particular example, the access port 806 is a commercially available retractor port 806, such as a DEXTRUS® retractor, available from Ethicon Endo-Surgery.

  As best shown in FIGS. 63A and 63B, the base coupler 850 is coupled to the access port 806 using an O-ring 868. More specifically, the O-ring 868 is disposed in the lower groove 854 of the coupler 850 and the upper ring 860 is disposed over the lower portion of the coupler 850 and the O-ring 868 in the groove 854, thereby. , The O-ring 868 is compressed between the coupler 850 and the upper ring 860, thereby creating a fluid seal between these two elements.

  As best shown in FIGS. 63C and 63D, the coupling tab 866 of the access port 806 is connected to the base coupler because the upper ring 860 is positioned over the lower portion of the coupler 850 and the O-ring 868 as described above. Coupled with coupling notch 856 of 850, thereby improving the stability of coupling of coupler 850 and access port 806.

  FIG. 63E shows the overall coupling of container 802 to access port 806 via coupler 850, as described above. 64A and 64B illustrate an external pressure insertion device 800 in use, which is coupled to an access port 806 that is positioned within an incision in the patient's skin 870.

  In use, according to one embodiment, access port 806 and external pressurization device 800 are positioned relative to the surgical procedure as follows. First, according to one embodiment, the robotic device 808 is placed within the insertion device 800 prior to positioning the port 806 and the device 800 in the proper surgical position. That is, the robotic device 808 is placed inside the container 802 and the support rod 830 coupled to the device 808 is secured to the top cap 804 by a set screw 840 and any connecting cable coupled to the device 808 can be placed inside the top cap 804. Located within cavity 824, flexible container 802 is coupled and fluid sealed to top cap 804 and base coupler 850 via O-rings 828, 858. In another example, the robotic device 808 is placed in the insertion device 800 after positioning the port 806 and the device 800. Nevertheless, as long as the port 806 and the device 800 are positioned, in some implementations the port 806 is positioned first. That is, in one embodiment, the bottom ring 862 is first inserted through a previously created incision into the patient's cavity wall. Once the ring 862 is positioned through the incision and within the cavity, the ring 862 constrains the entire port 806 in the incision by expanding to a diameter greater than the diameter of the incision, as best shown in FIG. 64A. Can help. In one embodiment, container 802 and coupler 850 are coupled to access port 806 prior to positioning port 806 within the incision. In another example, port 806 is first positioned within the incision and then coupler 850 and the container are coupled to port 806. Nevertheless, once the access port 806 and the insertion device 800 are positioned, gas can then be injected into the patient's cavity. The fluid communication created by the access port 806 between the cavity and the interior of the container 802 places the entire interior of the insertion device 800 under the same pressure as the cavity.

  According to one implementation, once the access port 806 and the insertion device 800 are properly positioned, the process of inserting the robotic device 808 into the infused patient's cavity is best illustrated in FIGS. 65A-69B. It can be done as follows. Initially, as best shown in FIGS. 65A and 65B, the robotic device 808 begins with both arms parallel and perpendicular to the incision. The robot 808 then descends through the opening created by the access port 806 as shown in FIGS. 66A and 66B. According to one embodiment, as best shown by comparing FIGS. 65A and 65B to FIGS. 66A and 66B, when the robot 808 is lowered, the flexible container 802 is made of the flexible material of the container 802. The height is reduced by allowing some to “crumple” or begin to crease, thereby moving the top cap 804 closer to the access port 806 To do.

  As best shown in FIGS. 67A and 67B, according to one embodiment, when the “elbow joint” of the arm of robotic device 808 passes through the cavity wall and access port 806, the forearm (best shown in FIG. 67A). Rotate at the elbow joint until it is positioned at an angle of 45 degrees or approximately 45 degrees to the upper arm (as shown). Thus, the “upper arm” rotates at the “shoulder joint” until it is positioned at an angle of 20 degrees or approximately 20 degrees, as best shown in FIG. 67B. This forearm and upper arm rotation ensures that the device 808 fits within the target cavity of the patient, thereby minimizing any contact of the robotic device 808 with any internal tissue or organ. Can help you. In another example, the forearm and upper arm can be rotated to any angle that minimizes the risk of contact with tissue or organs.

  As best shown in FIGS. 68A and 68B, according to one embodiment, the device 808 is placed within the patient's cavity by further positioning the arm of the device 808 while the container 802 continues to collapse to wind the helix. Further insertions can be made, thereby further retracting the insertion device 800. More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 68B, the upper arm can be further rotated until it is positioned at an angle of 45 degrees or approximately 45 degrees. This process of positioning the arm to avoid contact with an organ or tissue and causing the container 802 to collapse into a helix while moving the device 808 further into the cavity causes the shoulder joint of the device 808 to move into the cavity wall and Continue until access port 806 is passed.

  Once passed, as shown best in FIGS. 69A and 69B, the forearm can be rotated back and the upper arm can be rotated further upward, the arm being suitable for the surgical procedure Remain in the starting position. Once in the desired starting position, the device 808 can be locked in place using a known external clamping mechanism, such as, for example, Iron International®, commercially available from Automated Medical Products, or It can be stabilized in other ways.

  FIG. 70 shows another implementation of an external pressurization system or apparatus 900. The device 900 has a container 902 with a top cap 904 coupled to the top of the container 902. In this embodiment, a port 906 is coupled to the container 902 at the base of the container 902. The port 906 is configured to be positionable within an incision in the patient's skin, thereby providing access to the patient's cavity. As shown in FIG. 70, the device 900 is configured to receive a surgical device 908 such that the device 908 can be inserted through the port 906 of the device 900 into the patient's cavity.

  According to one embodiment, like the container 802 described above and shown in FIGS. 55-69B, the container 902 in this device 900 is made from a flexible material, such as, for example, polyethylene plastic, latex, nylon or silicone rubber. ing.

  In this embodiment, top cap 904, container 902 and robotic device 908 are substantially similar to top cap 804 and container 802 shown and described above. All of the various features and elements described above apply equally to these top cap 904, container 902 and device 908 embodiments.

  71A and 71B show a base coupling element (also referred to as a “base coupler”) 920 coupled to the bottom portion of the container 902. The base coupler 920 has a groove 922 and three coupling protrusions 924 extending from the coupler 920. According to one implementation, each of the coupling protrusions 924 has a lumen 926 that is configured to receive a thumbscrew 928. Container 902 is coupled to base coupler 920 using O-ring 930. More specifically, the container 902 is positioned over the upper portion of the coupler 920 such that it is positioned over the groove 922 and adjacent to or in contact with the three protrusions 924. The O-ring 930 is positioned over the container 902 in the groove 922 to push a portion of the container 902 into the groove 922, thereby creating a fluid seal between the container 902 and the base coupler 920.

  In this embodiment, the insertion device 900 has a port fitting 940 that can be coupled to the base coupler 920 and the access port 906 such that it is positioned between the coupler 920 and the port 906. The port fitting 940 has a removable lid 944 that maintains a fluid seal when in place of the port fitting 940 so that the insertion device 900 is not yet coupled to the access port 906. Even so, it is possible to maintain gas injection in the patient's cavity.

  72A and 72B show the coupling of the port fitting 940 to the access port 906. FIG. Port fitting 940 has three coupling notches 942 similar to coupling notches 856 described and described above. In addition, the port fitting 940 has a removable lid 944 (also referred to as a “removable sealing element”, “removable lid sealing element” or “removable sealing element”) that is relative to the port fitting 940. A fluid seal is provided when positioned in the closed position. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 72A and 72B, the removable lid 944 is a slidable lid 944.

  Similar to the access port 806 described and described above, this access port 906 (as best shown in FIG. 72A) has an upper ring 946 and three coupling protrusions (“coupling tabs”) from a portion of the upper ring 946. 948, which are also configured to mate with the coupling notches 942 of the port fitting 940.

  As best shown in FIG. 72A, the port fitting 940 includes an O-ring 950 that can be disposed between the port fitting 940 and the access port 906 so that the O-ring 950 has 2 A fluid seal is created when two elements are joined together.

  In use, the port fitting 940 is positioned at the top of the top ring 946, the bottom portion of the port fitting 940, and an O-ring 950 between the two elements so that the coupling notch 942 of the port fitting 940 is It can be coupled to the access port 906 by positioning it to mate with the coupling protrusion 948 of the upper ring 946.

  The port fitting 940 also has another O-ring 952 that is configured to be placed in a groove 954 formed in the top of the port fitting 940. In one embodiment, an O-ring 952 can be disposed in the groove 954 to help create an air tight seal when the port fitting 940 is coupled to the base coupler 920.

  In addition, the port fitting 940 also has three threaded lumens 956 at the top of the fitting 940. In one embodiment, these lumens 956 are configured to receive thumbscrews 928 that are disposed through the lumens 926 of the base coupler 920, thereby causing the base coupler 920 to pass through the screws 928. Can be coupled to port fitting 940. Of course, it is understood that other coupling mechanisms other than the thumbscrew can be used. In various alternative embodiments, any known attachment or coupling mechanism or element can be used. Some non-limiting examples include magnets, quick clamps, right angle mechanisms, snap-in mechanisms, and the like.

  As best shown in FIGS. 73A and 73B, the slidable lid 944 can be moved between a closed position (as shown in FIG. 73B) and an open position (as shown in FIG. 73A). . In this embodiment, the slidable lid 944 is positioned in the port fitting 940 via a lid slot 958 in the port fitting 940. In the open position, the device or robotic device can be threaded through port fitting 940 and access port 906. In the closed position, a fluid seal is established between the lid 944 and the port fitting 940, which allows gas to be injected into the patient's cavity prior to installing the insertion assembly 900. This embodiment of the removable lid 944 is a slidable lid 944, but any other known method or apparatus for establishing a fluid seal can be used. Non-limiting examples include a mechanical aperture, a leaf shutter, or any other known method of providing a removable fluid seal.

  74A and 74B show cross-sectional views of the entire lower subassembly as described above, including base coupler 920, port fitting 940 and access port 906. FIG. More specifically, FIG. 74A shows the port fitting 940 coupled to the access port 906 with a slidable lid 944 fully inserted into the port fitting 940 in the closed position, thereby creating a fluid seal. Show. FIG. 74B shows a state where all three elements are coupled together, including base coupler 920, port fitting 940 and access port 906.

  75A, 75B, and 75C illustrate an external pressure insertion device 900 in use according to one embodiment. Once the access port 906 is positioned within the incision as described above, the port fitting 940 can be coupled to the port 906, as best shown in FIG. 75A. When the slidable lid 944 is in the closed position, a fluid seal is established between the port fitting 940 and the port 906 so that gas can be injected into the patient's cavity to the desired gas injection pressure. it can. Thereafter, the insertion device 900 can be coupled to the port fitting 940, as best shown in FIG. 75B. When the base coupler 920 is coupled to the port fitting 940 and a fluid seal is established between the two elements, the slidable lid 944 is moved to its open position as best shown in FIG. 75C ( Or completely removed), thereby providing fluid communication between the patient's cavity and the interior of the insertion device 900 to equalize the pressure in the device 900 and the cavity. The robotic device 908 can be inserted through any of the same steps as described above. If the device 908 completes the desired surgical procedure and a different robotic device or other type of device needs to be used, the robotic device 908 can be removed from the cavity and the slidable lid 944 is replaced in the closed position. The base coupler 920 can be removed from the port fitting 940. As a result, the pressure can be maintained in the cavity even during device replacement.

  FIG. 76 shows an alternative embodiment having a top cap 960 with a pressure relief valve 962. During the process of exiting the insertion device embodiment 800, 900 of the robotic device 808, 908 and moving either one into the cavity relative to the insertion device 800, 900 as described above, the volume of the containers 802, 902 is reduced and changed. This increases the pressure in the patient's cavity. The pressure relief valve 962 can be configured to release pressure when the internal gas injection pressure rises above a typical value so that the attendant can connect between the cavity and the insertion device 800, 900. Assist the process of inserting robotic devices 808, 908 so that there is no need to wait for pressure to equalize.

  77A and 77B show another implementation of a top cap 1000 having a pressure relief valve 1002. The cap 1000 also has a dual port seal element 1004 that can be configured to receive one or more surgical devices or instruments, such as standard laparoscopic devices. In another example, it is contemplated that the top cap has only one of the pressure relief valve 1002 or the double seal element 1004.

  As best shown in FIG. 77B, according to one implementation, the pressure relief valve 1002 has an adjustment element (also referred to as an adjustment “door”, “wall” or “button” or “block”) 1006, which is Holding a bolt, screw, or other standard device or element configured to hold the adjustment element 1006 in place, operably coupled to (or positioned against) one end of the tension spring 1008 It has two holes 1010A, 1010B configured to accept the mechanism. The other end of the spring 1008 is coupled to a valve ball 1012 that is positioned against the rim 1016 of the lower opening 1014 of the top cap 1000. The spring 1008 is configured to bias the ball 1012 toward the opening 1014 such that the ball 1012 (which has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the rim 1016) contacts the rim 1016 of the opening 1014. Thereby establishing a fluid seal between the ball 1012 and the rim 1016. In this embodiment, the adjustment block 1006 is adjusted to move the block 1006 toward or away from the ball 1012 using a retention mechanism, so that the spring 1008 applies to the ball 1012. The applied force increases or decreases, respectively (thus the strength of the seal between the ball 1012 and the rim 1016 of the opening 1014 increases or decreases, respectively). Thus, the adjustment block 1006 can be used to adjust the strength of the seal based on the target maximum pressure threshold, so that when the target maximum pressure threshold is reached (as described above, any of the robotic devices 808, 908). The ball 1012 is biased away from the rim 1016 and the seal between the rim 1016 and the ball 1012 is broken, thereby The pressure drops due to gas leaking through valve 1002.

In alternative embodiments, any known pressure relief valve used in medical devices can be incorporated into the top cap 1000.
Continuing with FIG. 77B, the dual port seal element 1004 of this embodiment has two seal elements: an elastic circular seal 1018 defining an opening 1020 and a flap seal 1022 in fluid communication with the circular seal 1018. Elastic circular seal 1018 is configured to form a strong seal around the smooth surface of a standard laparoscopic device positioned through opening 1020. In one implementation, the flap seal 1022 is a secondary seal that provides a fluid seal when no device is placed through the dual port seal element 1004. That is, when no device is positioned on the dual port seal element 1004, the two flaps 1024A, 1024B are biased into contact with each other by the pressure in the patient's cavity into which the gas has been infused, thereby Two flaps 1024A, 1024B form a fluid seal.

In alternative embodiments, any known port seal element used to establish a fluid seal can be used in which the laparoscopic device is placed.
According to various additional implementations, the insertion device disclosed or contemplated herein can be one or more sensors that measure the insertion depth of a surgical device being inserted into a patient's cavity or Other types of measurement mechanisms can be included.

  As an example, FIGS. 78A, 78B and 78C show an automatic insertion device 1030 having a flexible container 1038 and an actuator and sensor package 1032. The actuator can be any known actuator including, for example, motors and gears, motors and timing belts, linear screws, pneumatic technology, hydraulic technology, and the like. The sensor can be any known sensing device including, for example, a potentiometer, encoder, optical sensor, and the like. In operation, the actuator and sensor package 1032 lowers the surgical device 1034 through the incision. That is, as shown in FIG. 78B, the top portion of the device 1030 is biased toward the bottom portion of the device 1030, thereby reducing the overall height of the device 1030 and the surgical device 1034 can be moved to the bottom of the insertion device 1030. Move out of the minute and move distally. As insertion occurs, the sensor of the package 1032 is configured to read the distance that the surgical device 1034 has been inserted into the patient's cavity. Based on this distance, in one embodiment, the control program of the surgical device 1034 activates the motor of the surgical device 1034 to move the arm to the desired position so that it does not touch any organ or cavity wall. it can. The process can then be reversed to remove the surgical device 1034 from the incision. In another implementation, additional actuators 1036 can be used to position surgical device 1034 globally during the insertion process or surgery to access multiple quadrants of the patient's cavity. This actuator 1034 rotates the upper portion of the insertion device 1030 relative to the access port. This rotation is possible due to the flexible nature of the container 1038.

  FIG. 79 illustrates another embodiment of an insertion device 1050 having one or more measurement mechanisms 1054 that measure the insertion depth of a surgical device being inserted into a patient's cavity using the insertion device 1050. In this embodiment, the insertion depth of the surgical device is determined by measuring the relative distance between the top cap 1052 and the port 1056. Further, in this embodiment, the measurement mechanism 1054 is a sensor 1054 that is coupled to, incorporated into, or otherwise associated with the top cap 1052. In another example, the top cap 1052 can have more than one sensor 1054. According to one embodiment, sensor 1054 uses ultrasonic or infrared energy and transmits energy toward port 1056. The energy is reflected by port 1056 and returns to sensor 1054. In this embodiment, sensor 1054 is a rangefinder that can determine the distance between top cap 1052 and port 1056 using the energy reflected from port 1056. The distance between the top cap 1502 and the port 1056 can then be used to calculate the insertion depth of the surgical device.

  In an alternative embodiment using a continuous sensor system, the insertion device 1050 has a sensor (not shown) associated with the port 1056 as well as a sensor 1054 associated with the top cap 1052. In this implementation, sensor 1054 emits energy received by the sensor associated with port 1056 so that it triggers the sensor associated with port 1056 and returns to sensor 1054 associated with top cap 1052. Send energy. The sensor 1054 or a separate controller can then calculate the distance between the top cap 1052 and the port 1056, which can then be used to calculate the insertion depth of the surgical device.

  In a further alternative, the measurement mechanism 1054 of the top cap 1052 is a camera 1054. The camera 1054 can utilize known image processing techniques for known features of the surgical device to determine the insertion depth of the device.

  FIG. 80 illustrates another embodiment relating to a port 1060 of an insertion device having one or more measurement mechanisms 1062 for measuring the insertion depth of the surgical device. In this implementation, when a surgical device (not shown) is pushed through the port 1060 and into the patient's cavity, the measurement mechanism 1060 associated with the port 1060 can be used to detect characteristics of the surgical device. These characteristics can be used to estimate or determine the insertion depth of the surgical device. In one embodiment, the measurement mechanism 1062 is a camera 1062 that can capture and recognize the portion of the surgical device that passes through the opening 1064 of the port 1060 using image processing. Alternatively, the surgical device can be marked with some type of marker that is easily recognized by image processing techniques. Once the device portion or marker is recognized, the camera 1062 or a separate processor or controller can calculate the insertion depth of the surgical device based on that information.

  In a further implementation, the measurement mechanism 1062 can detect one or more RFID markers (not shown) that are coupled to or implanted in a surgical device (not shown) that passes through the port 1060. 1062. In another example, the RFID marker in this embodiment can also include additional information that can be used in a two-way communication system. That is, one or more of the markers associated with the surgical device can be configured to transmit information to the sensor and / or controller via the same RF link.

  FIG. 81 shows another embodiment of an insertion device having a measurement mechanism that measures the relative distance between the top cap and the port to determine the insertion depth of the surgical device. This embodiment relates to a top cap 1070 having a string measurement system 1072, which in some embodiments is a string potentiometer system 1072. The string measurement system 1072 is a system in which a string extends from a top cap 1070 to a port (not shown) at the bottom of an insertion device (not shown) and the amount of string extending from the rotating drum is measured. . In this embodiment, the system 1072 includes a rotary sensor 1074, a rotary drum 1076, a spring string dispenser 1078, and a string (not shown) extending from the dispenser around the drum 1076. According to one embodiment, sensor 1074 is potentiometer 1074, and in some specific embodiments, sensor 1074 is a multi-turn potentiometer 1074. The rotary sensor 1074 is coupled to the rotary drum 1076 so that when the drum 1076 rotates, the rotary sensor 1074 rotates. In one embodiment as shown, the drum 1076 is a dual drum 1076 having a measurement string drum half 1076A and a spring-loaded string drum half 1076B. More specifically, a string extending down to a port (not shown) of an insertion device (not shown) wraps around the measurement string drum half 1076A, while at the other end a spring-loaded string dispenser A separate spring loaded string (not shown) coupled to 1078 wraps around the spring loaded string drum half 1076B.

  In another example, the system 1072 can have a single string (not shown). For example, in one embodiment, a string (not shown) is directly coupled to the rotary sensor 1074. In a further embodiment, the string measurement system 1072 may be used to measure the tilt of the insertion device (or insertion device canister). According to one implementation, the string measurement system 1072 measures tilt using three strings.

  In use, the sensor 1074 can detect the distance between the top cap 1070 and a port (not shown) by sensing the number of revolutions of the drum 1076, which is the number of revolutions in the port (not shown). This is directly related to the length of the string extending down to the top) and thus directly related to the distance between the top cap 1070 and the port (not shown). This information can be used to calculate the insertion depth of the surgical device.

  In alternative embodiments, more than one measurement mechanism can be incorporated into the insertion device. That is, a first measurement mechanism can be incorporated into the insertion device to measure the insertion depth of the surgical device, and a second measurement mechanism can be incorporated to measure the amount of “tilt” in the insertion device. . It is understood that this can be any combination with a measuring device capable of measuring depth and / or tilt. It is further understood that any known device for measuring tilt as described herein can be used in the insertion device contemplated herein. In this regard, “tilt” is intended to mean the angle of the canister's longitudinal axis with respect to a plane parallel to the radius of the incision port. Some embodiments of canisters and insertion devices herein are configured to allow such tilting, which can be used to move a surgical device out of the canister before or during a procedure. It can be positioned more appropriately in the cavity.

  82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, and 82E illustrate yet another alternative of an insertion device having a measurement mechanism that measures the relative distance between the top cap and the port to determine the insertion depth of the surgical device. An implementation form is shown. This embodiment relates to a top cap 1090 having a substantially rigid structure measurement system 1092. The measurement system 1092 includes a substantially rigid structure 1094 extending from the top cap 1090 to a port 1096 at the bottom of the insertion device and measuring the displacement of the structure 1094 to determine the distance between the top cap 1090 and the port 1096. , A system that can use that distance to calculate the insertion depth of the surgical device.

  In this embodiment, the substantially rigid structure is a square bar 1094 with a coupler 1098 at the top, as shown in FIG. 82A. The rod 1094 passes through the seal 1100 of the top cap 1090 (as best shown in FIG. 82A), passes through the hole 1102 under the top cap 1090 (as best shown in FIG. 82B), and is best shown in FIG. 82E. It extends through hole 1104 in port 1096 (as well shown). In one embodiment, the hole 1102 in the top cap 1090 is square, and thus the square bar 1094 cannot rotate relative to the top cap 1090 (and thus cannot rotate relative to the insertion device). According to one implementation, the seal 1100 of the top cap 1090 is an elastic seal 1100. In another example, the seal 1100 is any seal that can maintain the pressure of the insertion device when the rod 1094 is placed therein.

  In one embodiment, the actual measurement of the displacement of the square bar 1094 is accomplished using a string measurement system, such as the system described above with respect to FIG. A coupler 1098 at the upper end of the square bar 1094 can be coupled to a string (not shown), and the string is further configured to be coupled to the drum 1106 of the string measurement system 1108. In one embodiment, the string measurement system 1108 operates similarly to the similar system described above.

  As best shown in FIGS. 82C, 82D and 82E, the bottom of the square bar 1094 is via a pegged ball 1110 having four pegs positioned within a cavity 1112 defined under the port 1096. , Confined within the port 1096, the cavity 1112 is in fluid communication with the upper hole 1104 of the port 1096. Cavity 1112 pegs as shown so that ball 1110 can move within cavity 1112 to allow angular shift but not rotation about the longitudinal axis of rod 1094. It is configured to match the shape of the tipped ball 1110 (the four slots of the cavity 1112 match the four pegs of the ball 1110). According to one embodiment, the combination of this constraint and the constraint on rotation at the top cap 1090 can successfully move the surgical device into the body (ie, the insertion device is described elsewhere herein). Can be steered so that the surgical device can be steered and positioned) while maintaining the centerline of the robot aligned with the insertion point.

  In an alternative embodiment, the substantially rigid structure is another shape other than a corner. In further implementations, the structure can have any shape that can match the hole in the top cap so that it cannot rotate relative to the top cap. In another example, the substantially rigid structure can be composed of two or more bars. For example, in one alternative embodiment, there may be two substantially rigid structures that extend from the top cap to the port. In a further alternative, there are more than two structures.

  Various other implementations of the measurement mechanism can be envisioned that are within the scope and spirit of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, while the various embodiments described above relate to measuring the relative distance between the top cap and the port, other alternative embodiments provide a relative angle and straight line between the top and bottom of the insertion device. Displacement can be measured. Further, the various embodiments described above relate to sensors configured to emit or detect a particular type of energy (such as infrared or ultrasonic energy), but any type of wireless technology that works with the sensor. It is understood that can be used.

It will be appreciated that any of these measurement techniques can be incorporated into any of the insertion device embodiments disclosed herein.
FIG. 83 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an incision port 1120 that can be used with any of the insertion devices described above. In this implementation, the incision port 1120 has a slidable lid 1122 similar to the lid shown in FIGS. 72A-75C. In addition, port 1120 also has a gas injection port 1124 in fluid communication with the lumen or opening of incision port 1120. In this embodiment, the gas injection port 1124 is a flow valve port 1124 that is positioned on the port 1120 to be below the slidable lid 1122. In one implementation, the gas injection port 1124 is used to inject gas into the patient's cavity or to provide auxiliary gas injection during the procedure. In use, the lid 1122 is positioned in a closed position to establish a fluid seal within the cavity (and within the insertion device as described above elsewhere), after which the patient's via the gas injection port 1124 Gas is added to the cavity.

  84A and 84B show an alternative insertion device embodiment having a different shape canister, unlike the cylindrical canister described above. More specifically, FIG. 84A is an insertion device 1130 comprising a flexible canister 1132 having a spherical shape. 84B is an insertion device 1140 with a flexible canister 1142 that is conical in shape. According to one embodiment, during compression, the spherical canister 1132 and the conical canister 1142 may collapse or compress, or otherwise the walls of the canisters 1132, 1142 expand or move outward. Allows the top cap to move toward the incision port. That is, the canisters 1132, 1142 do not flex inward, thereby not interfering with the surgical device disposed within the canisters 1132, 1142 during the collapse or compression of the canisters 1132, 1142.

  85A, 85B, and 85C show an alternative insertion device embodiment having a canister that is reinforced with a rib structure. More specifically, FIG. 85A is an insertion device 1150 with a flexible canister 1152 having a vertical rib structure 1154. FIG. 85B is an insertion device 1160 with a flexible canister 1162 having a horizontal rib structure 1164. Further, FIG. 85C is an insertion device 1170 with a flexible canister 1172 having a helical rib structure 1174. According to one embodiment, the rib structure in these exemplary embodiments creates a structure for each canister while the flexible material in the canister maintains pressure therein. Alternatively, any combination of rib structures can be incorporated into the canister. In one implementation, the rib structure provides reinforcement to each other so as to reduce the amount of undesirable bending or collapse of the canister in use.

  86A, 86B, 86C, 86D illustrate an embodiment of a base coupler 1182 (of the incision port 1180) that is releasably coupled to the canister 1184 of the incision device. In this embodiment, a surgical device (not shown) can be positioned in the canister 1184 prior to the procedure and then releasably coupled to the incision port 1180. The coupler 1182 has at least one fixed support 1186 and at least one releasable latch 1188. According to one embodiment, there are two fixed supports 1186 (one is not visible). The canister 1184 has a lip 1190 at its bottom that can be coupled with the coupler 1182. In use, the canister 1184 is positioned against the top of the coupler 1182 in a tilted position, as shown in FIGS. 86B and 86C, so that the lip 1190 is positioned under the two fixed supports 1186. . The entire bottom of the canister 1184 is then placed in contact with the coupler 1182, thereby creating a seal between the lip 1190 and the coupler 1182. When the lip 1190 is correctly positioned, as best shown in FIG. 86D, the lip 1190 is held in place in contact with the coupler 1182 via the two fixed supports 1186 and latch 1188. Move to the stop position.

  87A, 87B and 87C have a top cap 1200 that allows the top cap 1200 to move the top cap 1200 and handle set 1202 relative to the flexible canister 1204. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an insertion device coupled to The outer handle set 1202 has an outer ring 1206 that is positioned on the outer periphery of the top cap 1200 such that a fluid seal is established between the two elements. In one embodiment, the fluid seal is reinforced by a rubber seal 1210 disposed between the top cap 1200 and the outer ring 1206. In addition, the set 1202 also has two handles 1208 coupled to the ring 1206 so that a user or medical professional can easily grasp the set 1202. More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 87B, the top cap 1200 and the outer handle set 1202 move down across the wall of the flexible canister 1204 so that the canister 1204 wall is aligned with the top cap 1200. It is arranged between the handle set 1202. Thus, unlike some of the above embodiments, the top cap 1200 is not secured to the top of the canister 1204 so that the top cap 1200 reduces any bunching of the canister wall 1204 during device compression. In turn, the wall of the canister 1204 can be pulled distally through the seal of the top cap 1200 and the outer handle set 1202 while moving distally toward the bottom of the canister 1204. In use, the top cap 1200 is controlled via an outer handle set 1202 having a handle 1208 that slides freely within the flexible canister 1204 and provides direct control of the position and orientation of the top cap 1200. .

  88A, 88B, 88C and 88D are coupled to top cap 1222 (as best shown in FIGS. 88A and 88B), movable seal 1224 (as best shown in FIG. 88C), and movable seal 1224. An alternative embodiment of an insertion device 1220 having an outer handle set 1226 (as best shown in FIGS. 88A and 88C) and an incision port 1228 (as best shown in FIGS. 88A and 88D) is shown. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the top cap 1222 of this device 1220 is not movable and instead is coupled to the proximal end of the device 1220 as shown in FIG. 88A. Yes. Furthermore, this embodiment has a movable seal 1224 that can move along the length of the device 1220, similar to the top cap 1200 described above and shown in FIGS. 87A-87C. Further, the outer handle set 1226 is coupled to the movable seal 1224 instead of the top cap 1222.

  According to one embodiment, the top cap 1222 of this device 1220 is the primary seal of the device 1220 so that the movable seal 1224 maintains a fluid seal as it moves along the length of the device 1220. That is not essential. Thus, the top cap 1222 can have all of the sealing mechanisms and elements of any of the top cap embodiments described above, including seals and access openings for wires, suction, cleaning and auxiliary devices. According to one implementation, the movable seal 1224 is primarily used with the outer handle set 1226 to position the surgical device within the patient's cavity. The movable seal 1224 and the outer handle set 1226 are coupled together in the same manner and with similar elements as the outer handle set 1202 and top cap 1200 described above, according to one embodiment. As the outer handle set 1226 moves, the movable seal 1224 moves as well, and the handle set 1226 and seal 1224 can be moved relative to the canister wall, similar to the top cap 1200 and handle set 1202 described above.

  According to one implementation, the outer periphery of the movable seal 1224 is non-circular, thereby coupling the seal 1224 to the outer handle set 1226 so that the movable seal 1224 does not move in any axial direction relative to the handle set 1226. Suppress. As an example, the outer periphery of the seal 1224 can have a hexagonal or elliptical shape. Alternatively, any mechanism or element that inhibits such axial movement can be used.

  In one embodiment, the interface of the movable seal 1224 and the outer handle set 1226 (where the canister must be positioned and must pass) need not provide a fluid seal. Further, in some implementations, additional mechanisms or elements such as ball bearings or surfaces that conduct movement can be incorporated into the interface, thereby increasing the likelihood that the canister wall will easily pass through the interface. It is understood that these mechanisms or elements can be incorporated into the seal 1224 or the handle set 1226 or both.

  FIG. 89 has a substantially inflexible canister portion 1242 that is coupled to the flexible canister portion 1244, which is further coupled to the incision port 1246. The form is shown. In this embodiment, a top cap (not shown) can be coupled to an outer handle set similar to that described above so that the top cap can be easily moved along the inflexible canister portion 1242. can do. The flexible canister portion 1244 provides a flexible connection or interface (also referred to as a “ball joint” interface) that allows movement of the surgical device as needed. That is, the flexible canister portion 1244 increases the likelihood of tilting the insertion device 1240 as described above, thereby increasing the possibility of moving the surgical device during insertion and during any procedure being performed. Increase. In one implementation, the coupling of the top cap and the outer handle set can be a magnetic connection to avoid the necessary seal. In another example, different canister shapes and sizes can be envisioned. Further, the flexible canister portion can be placed elsewhere in the device. In a further alternative, more than one flexible canister portion can be provided.

  For all of the various embodiments described above, it is understood that the medical device inserted into the patient's body is any known medical or surgical device that performs a procedure within the patient's cavity. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the medical device is a robotic surgical device having one or two arms. In various alternatives, the robotic surgical device or system can have or use more than two arms. In a further alternative, the device (or additional device) may be a camera or camera system. Yet another alternative involves the use of an auxiliary device that can be inserted with one or more medical or robotic devices.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

In a surgical insertion device,
(A) a flexible canister that defines a lumen, the flexible canister being sized to receive a surgical device in the lumen;
(B) a top cap coupled to the proximal end of the canister, wherein at least one lumen configured to receive a support rod coupled to the surgical device is defined in the top cap. The top cap is a securing mechanism associated with the at least one lumen and is removably securable to the support rod so as to removably secure the support rod to the top cap. there fixing mechanism is provided, a top cap,
(C) a cutting port removably coupled to a distal end of the canister, the cutting port comprising a fluid sealing element configured to maintain a fluid seal;
(D) a pre-insertion configuration, wherein the flexible canister has a first height and the top cap is disposed at a first distance from the incision port;
(E) Post-insert configuration, wherein the flexible canister has a second height that is less than the first height and the top cap is less than the first distance from the incision port. the insertion after a form that is positioned a second distance,
The support rod is supported when the top cap moves between the pre-insertion configuration and the post-insertion configuration such that the support rod moves between the pre-insertion configuration and the post-insertion configuration. A surgical insertion device , wherein the rod is removably secured to the top cap such that the rod remains in the same relative position with respect to the top cap . The surgical insertion device of claim 1, wherein the lumen is fluid sealed to ambient air. The surgical insertion device of claim 1, wherein the canister includes a flexible portion and a substantially rigid portion. The surgical insertion device of claim 1, wherein the canister has a cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, or a conical shape. The surgical insertion device of claim 1, wherein the canister comprises at least one rib structure. The surgical insertion device of claim 1, wherein the fluid sealing element comprises a sealable sleeve device, a flexible sealing element, a removable lid sealing element or a flap sealing element. The surgical insertion device of claim 1, wherein the top cap comprises at least one of a pressure relief valve, at least one threaded lumen, a removable cable harness, and a clamping protrusion. The surgical insertion device of claim 1, further comprising an outer handle set coupleable to the top cap. The surgical insertion device of claim 1, further comprising at least one measurement mechanism coupled to the top cap or the incision port. The surgical insertion device of claim 1, wherein the canister comprises at least one access port, the at least one access port being a hand access port and a side access port.